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DAVIS 


BULLETIN  No.  3. 

TUB  UNIVERSITY  OF  MAIM: 

DKPARTM  i;XT<  )F  NATURAL,  HIST<  )1^\ 

A  LIST  OF  THE 

KIIJDS  OF  MAINE 

/  miller  I  fit'  HUSJH'--' 

BY 

OKA  W.  KNIGHT,  B.  S., 

'////•"/  ///-> 


BULLETIN  No.  3. 

THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  MAINE 

DEPARTMENT  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY. 

A  LIST  OF  THE 

BIRDS  OF  MAINE 

Showing  their  Distribution  by  Counties 

And  their  Status  in  Each  County. 

7V. //am/  utnlcr  the  auspices  of  the  United  Ornithologist*  of  Maine 

BY 

OKA  W.  KNIGHT,  B,  S., 

Assistant  in  Natural  ///.»•/«./•//. 


AUGUSTA 

KEXXEBEC    JOURNAL    PRINT 
1897 


LIBRARY 


T    TT->(^kT»XTT  A 


STATE  OF  MAINE. 


ORONO,  ME.,  March  28,  1897. 
President  A.  W.  Harris: 

I  take  pleasure  in  submitting  herewith,  Bulletin  No.  3,  from  the 
Laboratory  of  Natural  History.  This  Bulletin,  prepared  by  Mr.  O. 
W.  Knight  of  the  Class  of  1895,  and  until  recently  assistant  in  this 
department,  is  a  valuable  contribution  to  the  Ornithology  of  Maine, 
and  will  be  an  honor  both  to  the  editor  and  to  the  institution. 

Respectfully, 

FRANCIS  L.  HARVEY, 
Professor  of  Natural  History. 


INTRODUCTION. 


As  all  the  previous  lists  of  Maine  birds  are  inaccessible  to  the 
majority  of  Ornithologists,  it  has  seemed  desirable  to  publish  one 
in  which  our  present  knowledge  of  the  distribution  and  status  of 
the  birds  of  the  state  may  be  given.  Many  records  taken  from  the 
various  Ornithological  publications  have  been  incorporated  in  the  list. 

While  it  has  seemed  desirable  to  make  this  an  annotated  list, 
the  chief  aim  of  the  notes  is  to  point  out  the  distribution  and  status 
of  each  species  in  the  various  counties  of  the  state.  Remarks 
regarding  the  habits,  songs  and  migration  dates  of  many  birds  are 
also  included. 

No  record  has  been  admitted  except  upon  the  best  of  evidence  as 
to  its  authenticity.  The  distribution  and  relative  abundance  of 
each  species  have  been  reported  on  by  one  or  more  observers  from 
each  county,  except  Lincoln  which  is  represented  only  by  a  few 
records  taken  from  material  which  has  already  been  published. 
The  members  of  the  United  Ornithologists  of  Maine  have  rendered 
aid  by  furnishing  many  notes  of  interest,  and  their  efforts  have 
been  heartily  seconded  by  many  other  prominent  Ornithologists  of 
the  state. 

The  classification  and  nomenclature  of  The  American  Ornitholo- 
gists' Union  have  been  followed.  A  summary  of  the  status  and 
abundance  of  each  species  is  followed  by  the  county  records.  The 
counties  are  arranged  in  alphabetical  order,  and  following  each  is 
a  brief  statement  of  the  bird's  status  in  that  county,  and  the  name 
of  the  observer  who  is  responsible  for  the  statement. 

All  remarks  regarding  the  habits,  abundance,  migration  dates, 
etc.,  of  individual  species  apply  only  to  this  state,  unless  expressly 
stated  otherwise  in  the  text. 

Maine  is  of  great  Ornithological  interest  owing  to  its  being  the 
most  eastern  meeting  point  of  the  Canadian  and  Alleghanian  faunae. 


b  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

Many  birds  belonging  to  warmer  regions  straggle  across  our 
southern  and  western  boundaries,  while  many  northern  birds  like- 
wise occur  in  the  northern  and  eastern  counties. 

A  partial  bibliography  has  been  appended,  but  notices  regarding 
many  of  the  publications  cited  have  been  taken  from  other  publica- 
tions, and  consequently  the  author  is  not  responsible  for  any  errors 
in  titles  which  may  occur. 

Species  which  have  been  reported  in  previous  lists  upon  insuffi- 
cient evidence,  those  which  have  been  taken  near  our  boundaries, 
and  those  which  may  reasonably  be  expected  to  be  detected  in  the 
state  at  some  future  date  are  given  in  a  hypothetical  list. 

A  supplement  to  the  list  will  be  issued  as  soon  as  enough  addi- 
tional information  to  warrant  it  has  been  secured,  and  all  persons 
having  knowledge  of  the  occurrence  in  the  state  of  any  species  not 
cited  are  requested  to  send  notice  of  the  same  to  the  author.  It  is 
also  hoped  that  any  mistakes  which  may  occur  will  be  pointed 
out  for  correction. 

Below  is  given  a  list  of  the  counties  of  the  state  with  the  names 
of  the  observers  from  each  county* 

Androscoggin :  E.  E.  Johnson  lists  167  species  taken  or  seen 
near  Lewiston ;  A.  R.  Pike  reports  on  66  of  the  rarer  birds  from 
the  same  locality ;  Prof.  A.  B.  Call  has  furnished  notes  on  105 
species  likewise  observed  near  Lewiston ;  these  notes  are  supple- 
mented by  records  from  "The  Birds  of  Androscoggin  County,"  and 
information  received  from  Prof.  J.  Y.  Stanton  of  Bates  College. 

Aroostook :  The  majority  of  the  records  from  this  county  are 
credited  to  Mr.  Chas.  F.  Batchelder,  and  were  taken  from  a  series 
of  articles  entitled  "Notes  on  the  Summer  Birds  of  the  Upper  St. 
John"  which  were  published  in  early  numbers  of  the  Bulletin  of  the 
Nuttall  Ornithological  Club ;  notes  on  certain  species  observed  by 
O.  W.  Knight  at  Sherman,  Fort  Fairfield,  Houlton,  Caribou,  Lime- 
stone and  Presque  Isle,  have  also  been  used. 

Cumberland  :  J.  C.  Mead  lists  147  species  from  the  northern 
part  of  the  county ;  these  are  supplemented  by  notes  from  A.  H. 
Norton  and  Dr.  H.  H.  Brock,  and  extracts  from  Brown's  "Cata- 
logue of  the  Birds  of  Portland." 

Franklin  :  J.  Merton  Swain  has  given  information  regarding  130 
species  from  the  southern  part  of  the  county,  and  F.  M.  Richards 
reports  on  147  from  the  same  section;  these  are  supplemented  by 


INTRODUCTION.  7 

a  few  extracts  from  notes  furnished  by  W.  A.  Lee  &  W.  E. 
McLain,  and  information  received  from  E.  F.  Cobb,  regarding 
birds  found  at  New  Vineyard  and  Rangeley  respectively. 

Hancock  :  E.  F.  Murch  lists  70  species  found  in  the  vicinity  of 
P^lls  worth,  and  A.  G.  Dorr  of  Bucksport  reports  103  from  his  local- 
ity ;  ().  A\r.  Knight  gives  notes  regarding  many  of  the  seabirds 
which  are  found  breeding  among  the  islands  along  the  coast. 

Kenuebec  :  The  Gardiner  Branch  of  the  United  Ornithologists  of 
Maine  has  reported  on  the  birds  of  this  county ;  the  records  of  the 
rarer  species  are  credited  to  the  individuals  responsible  for  them, 
while  the  others  are  credited  to  the  Branch  ;  the  members  of  which 
are,  William  L.  Powers,  Clara  M.  Burleigh,  Sadie  M.  Jewett, 
Mallian  Reed,  Lillian  Holmes,  Martha  Webster,  Lizzie  Church, 
Austin  P.  Larrubee,  Homer  Dill,  Maurice  Royal,  Fred  Dill,  Ralph 
Hunt,  George  Royal,  Harold  Peacock,  Lincoln  Harlow,  Harold 
(iiddiugs,  Ralph  Harden,  Charles  Austin,  George  Dow,  Edmund 
Welch,  Eben  Haley,  L.  M.  Sanborn  and  L.  W.  Robbins ;  addi- 
tional records  are  taken  from  Prof.  Hamlin's  "List  of  the  Birds  of 
Waterville." 

Knox :  Fred  Rackliff  of  Spruce  Head  lists  205  species  from  the 
county,  and  A.  H.  Norton  adds  10  more ;  it  is  probable  that  some 
of  the  former's  notes  regarding  the  presence  of  certain  sandpipers 
and  allied  birds  in  summer,  refer  to  their  return  from  the  north  in 
late  July  and  early  August,  and  do  not  imply  that  they  are  present 
throughout  the  entire  summer. 

Lincoln  :  This  county  is  represented  by  a  few  records  taken  from 
various  publications,  no  observer  having  been  found  who  was  will- 
ing to  furnish  a  county  list.  We  may  safely  say  that  the  birds  of 
this  small  county  are  identical  with  those  found  in  Knox  on  the 
east  and  Sagadahoc  on  the  west. 

Oxford  :  J.  Waldo  Nash  of  Norway  lists  164  species,  and  E.  E. 
Johnson  reports  on  89  found  near  East  Hebron  ;  a  few  notes  from 
Maynard's  "List  of  the  Birds  of  Coos  County,  New  Hampshire,  and 
Oxford  County,  Maine,"  are  used  as  are  some  from  Verrill's  "List 
of  the  Birds  of  Norway,"  (Maine). 

Penobscot :  O.  W.  Knight  gives  an  annotated  list  of  155  species 
found  in  the  southern  part  of  the  county,  and  Manly  Hardy  adds 
notes  on  24  of  the  rarer  birds ;  Granville  Gray  of  Oldtown  adds 
4  species  to  the  list. 


8  BIRDS     OF    MAINE. 

Piscataquis  :  Wallace  Homer  submits  a  fully  annotated  list  of 
116  species,  and  Charles  Whitman  reports  on  56. 

Sagadahoc :  Herbert  L.  Spinney  has  found  180  species  here  and 
his  list  is  copiously  annotated ;  C.  C.  Spratt  of  North  Bridgton, 
lists  79  species. 

Somerset :  C.  H.  Morrell  presents  a  fully  annotated  list  of  145 
species  from  the  southern  part  of  the  county,  while  Prof.  F.  L. 
Harvey  and  O.  W.  Knight  add  a  few  notes  from  Jackman  in  the 
in  the  northern  part. 

Waldo :  C.  C.  Spratt  gives  a  list  of  80  species ;  O.  W.  Knight 
supplements  this  by  notes  on  many  of  the  birds  observed  by  him 
within  the  county. 

Washington :  George  A.  Boardman  of  Calais  has  observed  and 
taken  257  species  within  Washington  County.  His  list  is  copiously 
annotated  and  is  the  result  of  long  years  of  careful  observation. 
•  York :  Stephen  J.  Adams  submits  a  list  embracing  102  species 
which  he  has  observed  near  the  towns  of  Hiram,  Oxford  County, 
Cornish,  York  County,  and  Baldwin,  Cumberland  County ;  his 
notes  are  thus  referable  to  three  counties  although  in  the  list  they 
have  been  credited  as  noted  here  :  Charles  S.  Butters  has  given 
notes  regarding  a  few  seabirds  taken  at  Biddeford  Pool. 

Other  matters  being  equal,  the  first  notes  received  have  been 
used  to  set  forth  the  county  status  of  a  given  species,  and  subse- 
quent notes  on  the  same  species  from  observers  in  the  same  county 
have  not  been  used  unless  the  conclusions  set  forth  are  somewhat 
different.  In  some  cases  the  notes  of  different  observers  in  a  given 
county  have  been  used  when  they  indicate  a  difference  in  the  status 
or  abundance  of  a  species  in  the  different  parts  of  the  county 
reported  on  by  the  observers. 

Thanks  are  due  to  the  University  of  Maine  and  to  Professor  F. 
L.  Harvey  for  allowing  me  free  access  to  its  collections  and  library  ; 
to  William  Brewster  of  Cambridge,  Mass.,  for  identifying  speci- 
mens submitted  to  him ;  to  Harry  Merrill  of  Bangor  for  the  loan 
of  various  publications  germain  to  the  list;  to  J.  C.  Mead  of  North 
Bridgton,  Arthur  H.  Norton  of  Westbrook,  and  Prof.  William  L. 
Powers  of  Gardiner  for  the  aid  they  have  rendered  ;  to  these  and 
many  others  who  have  helped  on  the  work  in  hand  cordial  thanks 
are  extended. 

ORA  W.  KNIGHT. 

BANGOR,  March  28,  1897. 


LAWS    OF   THE   STATE   OF    MAINE    WHICH    RELATE 
ESPECIALLY   TO   ORNITHOLOGY   OR   OOLOGY. 

(Taken  from  the  Fish  ami  Game  Laws.) 

1895,  c.  125,  §  21.  Whoever  kills  or  has  in  his  possession, 
except  alive,  or  exposes  for  sale,  any  wood  duck,  dusky  duck,  com- 
monly called  black  duck,  teal  or  grey  duck,  between  the  first  days 
of  May  and  September,  or  kills,  sells,  or  has  in  his  possession, 
except  alive,  any  ruffed  grouse,  commonly  called  partridge, 
between  the  first  days  of  December  and  September  20th,  or  wood- 
cock, between  the  first  days  of  December  and  September  following  ; 
or  kills,  sells  or  has  in  his  possession,  except  alive,  any  quail 
between  the  first  day  of  December  and  the  first  day  of  October  fol- 
lowing, or  pinnated  grouse,  commonly  called  prairie  chicken, 
between  the  first  days  of  January  and  September,  or  plover  between 
the  first  days  of  May  and  August,  forfeits  not  less  than  $5  nor 
more  than  $10,  for  each  bird  so  killed,  had  in  possession  or  exposed 
for  sale.  And  no  person  shall  at  any  one  time,  kill,  expose  for 
sale,  or  have  in  possession,  except  alive,  more  than  30  of  each 
variety  of  birds  above  named,  during  the  respective  open  seasons, 
nor  shall  any  person  at  any  time  kill,  expose  for  sale,  or  have  in 
possession,  except  alive,  any  of  the  above  named  varieties  of  birds 
except  for  consumption  within  this  state,  under  a  penalty  of  $5  for 
each  bird  so  unlawfully  killed,  exposed  for  sale  or  in  possession ; 
nor  shall  any  person  or  corporation  carry  or  transport  from  place 
to  place  in  open  season  any  of  the  above  mentioned  birds  unless 
open  to  view,  tagged  and  plainly  labeled  with  the  owner's  name, 
and  accompanied  by  him,  under  the  same  penalty ;  any  person,  not 
the  actual  owner  of  such  birds,  who,  to  aid  another  in  such  trans- 
portation falsely  represents  himself  to  be  the  owner  thereof,  shall 
be  liable  to  the  same  penalty ;  nor  shall  any  person  or  corporation 
carry  or  transport  at  any  one  time  more  than  15  of  any  one  variety 
of  birds  above  named,  as  the  property  of  one  man  under  the  same 
penalty ;  nothing  in  this  section  shall  prevent  any  marketman  or 


10  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

provision  dealer  having  an  established  place  of  business  in  this 
state,  from  purchasing  at  his  place  of  business,  any  bird  lawfully 
caught,  killed  or  destroyed,  or  any  part  thereof,  and  selling  the 
same  in  open  season  at  retail  to  his  local  customers. 

1889,  c.  248  §  22.  Whoever,  at  any  time  or  in  any  place,  with 
any  trap,  net,  snare,  device  or  contrivance,  other  than  the  usual 
method  of  sporting  with  fire-arms,  takes  wild  duck  of  any  variety, 
quail,  grouse,  partridge  or  woodcock,  forfeits  five  dollars  for  each 
bird  so  taken. 

1889,  c.  249,  §  23.  Whoever,  kills  or  has  in  his  possession, 
except  alive,  any  birds  commonly  known  as  larks,  robins,  swallows, 
sparrows  or  orioles,  or  other  insectivorous  birds,  crows,  English 
sparrows,  and  hawks  excepted,  forfeits  not  less  than  one  dollar, 
nor  more  than  five  dollars,  for  each  such  bird  killed,  and  the  posses- 
sion by  any  person  of  such  dead  bird,  is  prim  a  facie  evidence  that 
he  killed  such  bird. 

R.  S.,  c.  30,  §  24.  Whoever  at  any  time  wantonly  takes  or 
destroys  the  nest,  eggs,  or  unfledged  young  of  any  wild  bird  except 
crows,  hawks  and  owls,  or  takes  any  eggs  or  young  from  such 
nests,  except  for  the  purpose  of  preserving  the  same  as  specimens, 
or  of  rearing  said  young  alive,  forfeits  not  less  than  one  dollar  nor 
more  than  ten  dollars  for  each  nest,  egg,  or  young  so  taken  or 
destroyed. 

TRANSPORTATION. 

R.  S.,  c.  30,  §  25.  Whoever  carries  or  transports  from  place  to 
place,  any  of  the  birds  named  herein,  during  the  period  in  which 
the  killing  of  such  bird  is  prohibited,  forfeits  five  dollars  for  each 
bird  so  carried  or  transported. 

PROTECTION    OF    CAPERCAILIZE    AND    OTHER    BIRDS. 

1895,  c.  149,  §  1.  It  shall  be  unlawful  for  a  term  of  five  years 
to  hunt  for,  take,  catch,  kill  or  destroy  any  of  the  following  named 
birds  under  a  penalty  of  fifty  dollars  for  the  offense,  and  twenty- 
five  dollars  for  every  bird  so  taken,  caught,  killed  or  destroyed. 
The  capercailzie,  or  cock  of  the  woods,  so  called,  black  game,  so 
called,  or  any  species  of  the  pheasant,  except  the  partridge,  so 
called. 

SECT.  2.  All  fines  and  penalties  under  this  act,  shall  be  enforced 
in  the  same  manner,  as  for  the  violation  of  laws  relating  to  the 
illegal  killing  of  game. 


LAWS    RKLATIX<J    TO     OHM TIH  M.OGY.  11 


EVEKY    >rXl»AY    IS    CLOSE    TI.MK. 

R.  S.,  c.  30,  §  27.  Sunday  is  a  close  time,  on  which  it  is  not 
lawful  to  hunt,  kill  or  destroy  game  or  birds  of  any  kind,  under 
the  penalties  imposed  therefor  during  other  close  times ;  but  the 
penalties  already  imposed  for  violation  of  the  Sun- lay  laws  are  not 
repealed  or  diminished. 

TAXIDERMIST. 

l.s(.»5,  c.  50,  §  1.  The  commissioners  of  inland  fisheries  and 
game  may,  upon  application,  issue  a  license  to  such  persons  as 
taxidermists,  who,  in  their  judgment,  are  skilled  in  that  art,  of 
good  reputation  and  friendly  to  the  fish  and  game  laws  of  this 
state.  For  such  license  the  applicant  shall  pay  into  the  state 
treasury  the  sum  of  $5,  to  be  credited  as  additional  to  the  funds 
appropriated  by  the  state  to  inland  fisheries  and  game,  and  be  in 
force  for  three  years  from  the  date  of  its  issue,  unless  sooner 
revoked.  Such  licensee  may  at  all  times  have  in  his  possession  at 
his  place  of  business,  fish  and  game,  or  parts  thereof,  lawfully 
caught  or  killed  in  open  time  for  the  sole  purpose  of  preparing  for, 
and  mounting  the  same ;  and  such  fish  and  game  or  parts  thereof 
may  be  transported  to  such  licensee  and  retained  by  him  for  the 
purposes  aforesaid,  under  such  rules,  restrictions  and  limitations 
as  shall,  from  time  to  time  be  made  by  said  commissioners  and 
stated  in  such  original  license  and  additions  made  thereto  from 
time  to  time  by  said  commissioners. 

SECT.  2.  Such  licenses  may  be  revoked  by  said  commissioners 
at  any  time  after  notice  and  an  opportunity  for  a  hearing ;  and 
every  licensee  and  carrier  violating  any  of  the  provisions  of  this  act, 
or  of  the  rules,  restrictions  or  limitations  set  out  in  said  license  and 
additions  thereto,  shall,  on  complaint  before  any  trial  justice  or 
municipal  or  police  court,  be  fined  not  less  than  $20  nor  more  than 
$50. 

CERTAIN     PKRsnxs    AUTHORIZED    TO    TAKE      BIRDS    AXD    THEIR      NESTS 
AXD    EGGS    FOR    SCIENTIFIC    PURPOSES. 

1885,  c.  333,  §  1.  Upon  the  request  and  recommendation  of 
the  fish  and  game  commissioners,  the  governor,  with  the  advice 
and  consent  of  the  council  may  commission  persons  to  take,  kill, 
capture  and  have  in  possession  any  species  of  bird  other  than  domes- 


12  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

tic,  and  the  iiests  and  eggs  thereof  for  scientific  purposes ;  but  the 
number  of  commissions  in  force  shall  not  exceed  ten  at  any  time. 
SECT.  2.  No  person  to  whom  such  commission  may  be  granted, 
shall  sell,  offer  for  sale,  or  take  any  compensation  for  specimens  of 
birds,  nests  or  eggs,  nor  dispose  of  the  same  by  gift  or  otherwise, 
to  be  taken  from  the  State,  except  by  exchange  of  specimens  for 
scientific  purposes  ;  and  for  any  violation  of  any  of  the  provisions 
of  this  section,  such  person  shall  be  subject  to  a  fine  of  not  less 
than  ten  nor  more  than  fifty  dollars,  to  be  recovered  by  complaint 
before  any  trial  justice  or  municipal  judge. 


THE   BIRDS   OF   MAINE. 


Order  PYGOPODES.     Diving  Birds. 
Suborder  PODICIPEDES.     Grebes. 
Family  PODICIPID^E.     Grebes. 
Genus  COLYMBUS.     Linnaeus. 

Subgenus  COLYMBUS. 

1.     (2).*  Colymbus  ho\\)ce\\\\  (Rein/i.).    Holbcell's  Grebe. 
Occurs  along  the  coast  as  a  winter  resident  in  limited  numbers, 
September  to  late  April.     There  are  no  records  from  the  interior 
counties  of  the  state.     It  breeds  north  of  our  limits. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "rather  uncommon  winter  resident7' 
(Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  36)  ;  Kuox,  "migrant"  (Norton)  ;  Sag- 
adahoc,  "not  common,  few  in  winter"  (Spinney) ;  Washington,  "com- 
mon"' (Boardman)  ;  York,  (Butters). 

Submenus  BYTES  Kaup. 
2.     (3).     Colymbus  auritus  Linn.     Horned  Grebe. 

Common  as  a  migrant  along  the  coast  and  to  a  less  extent  in  the 
interior ;  a  few  are  also  found  in  winter  along  the  coast.  It  is  a 
rare  summer  resident  in  our  northeastern  counties. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "rare"  (Mead) ;  "rather  common  in 
migrations,  a  few  probably  winter"  (Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p. 
36) ;  Hancock,  "common  migrant"  (Dorr)  ;  Knox,  "migrant"  (Norton)  ; 
Oxford,  "very  rare"  (Nash)  ;  Penobscot,  "one  shot  at  East  Orrington" 
(Hardy)  ;  Piscataquis.  "rare"  (Homer) ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  December 
to  April"  (Spinney) ;  Washington,  "common,  a  few  breed"  (Boardman)  ; 
York,  (Butters). 

*  The  numbers  at  the  left  are  the  Maine  numbers  and  those  in  parenthesis  are 
the  A.  O.  U.  numbers  of  the  species. 


14  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

Genus  PODILYMBUS  Lesson. 

3.  (6).     Podilymbus  podiceps  (Linn.).    Pied -billed  Grebe. 

Commonest  in  migrations,  but  also  quite  a  common  summer  resi- 
dent on  various  bodies  of  fresh  water  throughout  the  state.  In 
migrations  it  is  commoner  along  the  coast  than  in  the  interior. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "common  summer  resident"  (John- 
son) ;  Aroostook,  "rare,  breeds"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol. 
7,  p.  152) ;  Cumberland,  "common"  (Mead) ;  Franklin,  "I  am  informed 
by  Mr.  Elmer  Cobb  that  he  has  taken  eggs  at  Rangeley  Lake"  (Knight) ; 
Hancock,  "common"  (Dorr)  ;  Kennebec,  "rare  summer  resident"  (Rob- 
bins)  ;  Knox,  (Rackliff)  ;  Peuobscot,  "summer  resident"  (Knight)  ;  Sag- 
adahoc,  "not  common,  seen  only  in  fall"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "common 
summer  resident"  (Morrell) ;  Washington,  "common,  few  breed" 
(Boardman). 

Suborder  CEPPHI.     Loons  and  Auks. 
Family  URINATORID^E.     Loons. 
Genus  URINATOR  Cuvier. 

4.  (7).     Urinator  imber  (Gunn.).     Loon. 

A  resident  along  the  coast,  a  common  summer  resident  and 
breeder  on  the  ponds  and  lakes  of  the  interior.  It  does  not  breed 
on  the  seacoast,  although  birds  may  be  seen  there  all  summer. 
These  are  probably  immature  or  sterile  individuals. 

County  Records. — Androscog^in,  "common  summer  resident"  (John- 
son) ;  Cumberland,  "summer  resident"  (Mead) ;  Franklin,  "common 
summer  resident"  (Swain)  ;  Hancock,  "common  resident"  (Dorr)  ;  Ken- 
nebec, "rare  summer  resident"  (Gardiner  Branch)  ;  Knox  "resident" 
(Rackliff)  ;  Oxford,  "breeds  commonly"  (Nash)  ;  Penobscot,  "summer 
resident,  not  so  common  as  formerly"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "common, 
breeds"  (Homer) ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  resident"  (Spinney) ;  Somerset, 
"not  very  common  summer  resident"  (Morrell) ;  Waldo,  (Spratt)  ;  Wash- 
ington, "common,  breeds"  (Boardmau) ;  York,  "common  summer  resi- 
dent" (Adams). 

5.  (11).     Urinator  luinme  (Gnnn.).     Red-throated  Loon. 

Quite  a  common  fall  and  spring  migrant  along  the  coast  and  on 
the  ponds  and  lakes.  It  is  also  a  winter  resident  coastwise.  It 
breeds  in  high  latitudes. 


BIRDS    OF    MAINE.  15 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "common  in  migration"  (Brown's  Cat. 
Birds  of  Portland,  p.  36) ;  Keunebec,  "accidental"  (Dill) ;  Knox,  "mi- 
grant" (Racklift")  ;  Peuobscot,  "immature  birds  often"  (Hardy) ;  Sagada- 
hoc,  "from  lat»*  fall  to  spring"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "Mr.  C.  W.  Savage, 
the  postmaster  at  Flagstaff,  has  a  bird  which  from  the  description  and 
nirasureineuts  must  be  this  species,  and  which  was  shot  at  Flagstaff  pond 
in  the  fall  of  1896"  (Knight) ;  Washington,  "common"  (Boardnfau)  ; 
York,  (Butters). 


Family  ALC1DJE.    Auks,  Murres,  and  Puffins. 
Subfamily  FRATERCULIN^E.     Puffins. 
Genus  LUND  A  Pallas. 

6.  (12).     Lunda  cirrhata  Pall.     Tufted  Puffin. 

This  is  a  Pacific  coast  bird  which  is  of  accidental  occurrence  on 
our  coast,  and  of  which  there  is  only  one  specimen  recorded.  (Cf 
Allen,  The  Auk,  Vol.  2,  p.  388).  This  record  is  based  upon  the 
authority  of  Audubon,  who  has  stated  that  one  of  this  species  was 
taken  at  the  mouth  of  the  Kennebec  River  in  the  winter  of  1831-'32. 

Genus  FRATERCULA  Brisson. 

7.  (13).     Fratercula  arctica  (Linn.).     Puffin. 

Occurs  commonly  as  a  winter  visitor  to  our  coast,  but  is  said  to 
have  nested  in  limited  numbers  on  Seal  Island  as  late  as  1888,  and 
it  is  reported  that  some  six  pairs  of  these  birds  nested  on  Matinicus 
Rock  as  late  as  the  summer  of  1896.  It  is  only  a  question  of  a 
year  or  so  when  this  species  will  cease  to  nest  along  our  coast. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "not  common  winter  visitant"(Brown's 
Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  36) ;  Hancock,  "winter  visitor"  (Dorr)  ;  Knox, 
"resident"*  (Rackliff)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "only  in  winter,  quite  scarce"  (Spin- 
ney) ;  Washington,  "winter  visitant ;  a  few  breed  at  Grand  Meuan,  X.  B." 
(Boardman). 

Subfamily  PHALERIX^.     Auklets,  Murrelets,  Guillemots. 
Genus  CEPPHUS  Pallas. 

8.  (27).     Cepphus  grylle  (Linn.).     Black  Guillemot. 

A  common  resident  and  breeder  along  the  coast  from  Knox  County 
eastward,  while  elsewhere  it  occurs  only  as  a  winter  visitant. 


*Only  a  very  few  of  these  birds  remain  through  the  summer  although  the  fact 
that  some  do  remain  would  justify  its  being  cited  as  a  rare  resident  (Editor). 


16  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

County  Records.  —  Cumberland,  unot  uncommon  winter  visitant" 
(Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Poitlaud,  p.  36) ;  Franklin,  "accidental" 
(Richards) ;  Hancock,  "very  common  resident  about  the  outer  islands" 
(Knight)  ;  Knox,  "resident"  (Rackliff) ;  Penobscot,  "taken  in  Brewer  in 
winter"  (Hardy)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "plenty  in  winter"  (Spinney)  ;  Washing- 
ton, "resident"  (Boardman). 


Subfamily  ALCIN^E.     Auks  and  Murres. 
Genus  URIA  Brisson. 

9.  (30).     Uria  troile  (Linn. ) .     Murre. 

Winter  visitor  in  limited  numbers  along  the  coast.  In  most 
cases  where  this  species  has  been  reported  a  careful  investigation 
has  brought  out  the  fact  that  the  reports  should  have  referred  to 
the  succeeding  species. 

County  Records.— Cumberland,  "rare  winter  visitor"  (Brown's  Cat. 
Birds  of  Portland,  p.  36)  ;  Knox,  "rare  winter  visitant"  (Rackliff) ; 
Washington,  (Boardman). 

10.  (31).     Uria  lomvia  (Linn.).     Briinnich's  Murre. 

A  quite  common  winter  visitor  along  the  coast,  especially  on  the 
outer  islands.  It  is  reported  by  Mr.  Boardman  as  breeding  on 
the  islands  near  Grand  Menan,  New  Brunswick,  in  limited  num- 
bers and  in  company  with  the  preceding  species. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "not  uncommon  winter  visitant" 
(Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  36)  ;  Hancock,  "winter  visitor" 
(Knight)  ;  Knox,  "winter  visitor"  (Rackliff)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  in 
winter"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "found  one  dead  on  the  ice,  near  Pitts- 
field,  December  31, 1896"  (Morrell) ;  Washington,  (Boardman). 

Genus  ALCA  Linnaeus. 

11.  (32).     Alca  torda  (Linn.).     Razor-billed  Auk. 

Quite  a  common  winter  visitor  to  the  outer  islands  of  the  coast. 
Mr.  Boardman  reports  that  a  few  still  breed  at  Grand  Menan,  New 
Brunswick. 

County  Records.— Cumberland,  "a  winter  visitor  of  quite  frequent 
occurrence"  (Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  36)  ;  Kuox.  "winter 
visitor"  (Rackliff) ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  in  winter"  (Spinney)  ;  Wash- 
ington, "winter"  (Boardman). 


1URDS    OK    MAINE.  17 

Genus  Plautus  Briinuich. 

12.  (33).     Plautus  impeunis  (Linn.}.     Great  Auk. 

This  species  has  become  extinct  through  the  agency  of  man, 
during  the  present  century.  It  was  probably  found  along  the 
entire  coast  of  Maine,  in  winter  at  least.  Evidences  of  this  birds 
having  once  occurred  at  Gouldsborough,  Hancock  County,  are 
recorded  in  the  Report  of  the  Maine  Board  of  Agriculture  for  1877, 
p.  261. 

Subfamily  ALLIN^E.     Dovekies. 
Genus  ALLE  Link. 

13.  (34).     Alle  alle  (Linn.}.     Dovekie. 

A  not  uncommon  visitor  some  winters  along  the  coast ;  some- 
times driven  inland  by  severe  storms.  It  breeds  in  high  latitudes. 

County  Records.  — Cumberland,  urather  irregular  winter  visitor" 
(Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  36)  ;  Knox,  "winter  visitor"  (Raek- 
liff) ;.  Penobscot,  uhave  seen  several  taken  near  Brewer"  (Hardy)  ;  Sag- 
a<l;ihoc,  "in  winter,  not  plenty"  (Spinney) ;  Washington,  "in  winter 
only"  (Boardman). 

Order  LONGIPENN-ES.     Long-winged  Swimmers. 

Family  STERCORARIID^E.     Skuas  and  Jaegers. 

Genus  STERCORARIUS  Brisson. 

14.  (36).       Stercorarius    pomarinus      (Temm.).      Pomarine 
Jaeger. 

Of  quite  regular  occurrence  in  spring  and  fall ;  casual  in  summer. 
Nests  in  the  far  north. 

Count v  Ilrcords. — Cumberland,  (Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  35)  ; 
Knox.  "have  seen  it  in  summer"  (Norton) ;  Sagadahoc,  (Spinney) ;  Wash- 
ington, "not  common"  (Boardman)  ;  York,  UI  have  a  specimen  from  the 
town  of  York"  (Xorton"). 

15.  (37).     Stercorarius  parasiticus  (Linn.}.     Parasitic  Jaeger. 
finite  common  off  shore  in  spring  and  fall;    nests  in  the  far 

north. 

County  Keconls.— Cumberland,  "said  to  be  not  uncommon  oft'  shore" 
(Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  35) ;  Knox,  "migrant"  (Racklift)  ; 
Sagadahoc,  "not  com rv£ty  near  shore"  (Spinney);  Washington,  "rare" 
(Boardmau). 


18  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

16.  (38).  Stercorarius  longicaudus  Vieill.  Long-tailed 
Jaeger. 

This  bird  occurs  in  a  manner  precisely  the  same  as  the  two  pre- 
ceding species.  It  is,  however,  seemingly  not  so  abundant  as  it 
is  not  reported  from  as  many  counties  as  the  other  two  are. 

County  Records. — Sagadahoc,  "not  common''  (Spinney) ;  Washington, 
"common  in  fall"  (Boardmau). 

Family  LARID^E.     Gulls  and  Terns. 
Subfamily  LARIN^E.     Gulls. 
Genus  RISSA  Stephens. 

17.  (40).     Rissa  tridactyla  (Linn.).     Kittiwake. 

Common  winter  visitor  along  the  coast ;  breeds  in  Arctic  regions. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  ''common  winter  resident"  (Brown's 
Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  34)  ;  Hancock,  "rare  in  winter"  (Dorr)  ;  Kuox, 
"winter  visitor"  (Rackliff)  ;  Oxford,  "one  in  October,  1890,  on  Lovewell's 
Pond"  (Nash) ;  Sagadahoc,  "plenty  from  November  to  April"  (Spinney)  ; 
Washington,  "abundant  fall  migrant"  (Boardmau);  York,  (Butters). 

Genus  LARUS  Linnaeus. 

18.  (42).     Larus  glaucus  Brunn.     Glaucous  Gull. 

A  rare  winter  visitor  to  our  coast ;  breeds  in  Arctic  regions. 

County  Records.— Cumberland,  "a  specimen  was  shot  at  Peake's 
Island,  April  27,  1883"  (Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  37) ;  Hancock, 
"rare  in  winter"  (Dorr)  ;  Knox,  "winter"  (Rackliff')  ;  Washington,  "rare, 
winter  only"  (Boardmau). 

19.  (43).     Larus  leucopterus  Faber.     Iceland  Gull. 

This  species  is  probably  of  much  commoner  occurrence  along 
the  coast  in  winter  than  one  would  imagine  from  the  paucity  of 
reports  concerning  it. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "Audubon  found  it  in  Portland  Harbor" 
(Orn.  Biog.  Ill,  p.  553) ;  Hancock,  "West  Sullivan"  (Brewster,  Bull. 
Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  8,  p.  251)  ;  Washington,  "winter  only"(Boardman). 

20.  (47).     Larus  marinus  Linn.     Great  Black-backed  Gull. 
Of  common  occurrence  along  the  coast  in  spring,  autumn  and 

winter,  September  to  March.  A  few  stragglers  are- occasionally 
seen  in  summer,  but  it  is  not  known  io  breed  in  the  state.  Mr. 
Boardman  states  that  a  few  breed  about  Urand  Menan,  New 
Brunswick. 


MIHHS    01      M.VIXK.  19 

County  Records. — Cumberlaud,  "common  winter  resident"  (Brown's 
Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  34) ;  Hancock,  "rare"  (Dorr) ;  Knox,  "winter 
visitor''  (Rackliff);  Sagadahoc,  "few  in  summer,  plenty  hi  winter" 
(Spinney )  ;  Washington,  "winter"  (Boardmau). 

21.  (51).      Larus  argentatus  Briinit.     Herring  Gull. 

An  accidental  visitor  to  our  coast,  but  one  specimen  known. 

Mr.    Fred  Rackliff   of    Spruce    Head,  Knox   County,  has  a   Gull 

taken   in   that  county   which   is   unquestionably  referable  to  this 
species.     This  record  is  verified  by  Mr.  A.  H.  Norton. 

22.  (51a).     Larus  argentatus  smithsonianus  Coues.  American 
Herring  Gull. 

A  very  common  resident  along  the  seacoast,  and  quite  a  common 
summer  resident  on  the  larger  lakes  of  the  interior.  A  large  colony 
of  these  birds  nest  on  an  island  of  Moosehead  Lake.  In  summer  the 
eggs  of  the  species  form  a  staple  article  of  food  among  the  fisher- 
men along  the  coast,  and,  in  consequence  of  their  being  constantly 
robbed,  fresh  eggs  are  often  found  late  in  August. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "fairly  common  migrant"  (Johnson)  ; 
An>n-took.  ••(.•uimnon  on  lakes  and  breeds"  (Batchelder  in  Bull.  Xutt. 
Oru.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  152)  ;  Cumberland;  "common  spring  visitor  near 
Bridgtou"  (Mead),  "resident  throughout  the  year"  (Brown's  Cat.  Birds 
of  Portland,  p.  34)  ;  Franklin,  "rare,  accidental"  (Swain) ;  Hancock, 
"common  resident"  (Knight) ;  Keuuebec,  "rare"  (Gardiner  Branch) ; 
KDOX,  "resident"  (Rr.cklift) ;  Oxford,  (given  in  Maynard's  List,  p.  30;; 
Penobscot,  "seen  near  Bangor  in  fall  and  early  spring"  (Knight);  Pis- 
cataquis,  "breeds  on  the  lakes"  (Homer) ;  Sagadahoc,  "few  in  summer, 
common  in  winter"  (Spinney;)  Somerset,  "frequent  visitor  spring  to 
fall"  (Morrell) ;  Waldo,  "regular  visitor  throughout  the  year,  does  not 
breed  within  the  county  to  my  knowledge"  (Knight) ;  Washington, 
"common  resident"  ^Boardman)  ;  York,  (Butters). 

23.  (54).     Larus  delawarensis  Orel.     Ring-billed  Gull. 

Not  very  common  as  a  spring  and  autumn  migrant,  but  it  is 
probably  of  more  general  occurrence  than  the  meager  county 
records  would  indicate. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "quite  common  transient"  (Brown's 
Cat.  of  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  34)  ;  Hancock,  "have  one  from  near  Bucks- 
port"  (Knight) ;  Knox,  "migrant"  (Xortou)  ;  Washington,  "common  in 
migration"  (Boardman.) 

24.  (58).     Larus  atricilla  Linn.     Laughing  Gull. 

This  species  is  of  rare  or  irregular  occurrence  along  the  coast. 
It  has  been  known  to  breed  on  the  islands  of  Casco  Bay. 


20  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

County  Eecords. — Cumberland,  "quite  common  summer  resident, 
breeding  on  the  outer  islands  of  Casco  Bay"  (Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Port- 
land, p.  34) ;  Knox,  "summer"  (Rackliff)  ;  Washington,  "few  about  the 
islands  in  summer"  (Boardmau). 

25.  (60).     Lams  Philadelphia  (Ord).     Bonaparte's  Gull. 
This  species  is  very  common  along  the  coast  in  the  migrations, 

and  a  few  remain  through  the  winter.  It  also  occurs,  though  less 
commonly,  on  the  larger  lakes  of  the  interior,  but  does  not  breed 
within  the  state.  It  is  commonest  from  early  August  to  Novem- 
ber and  from  April  to  June. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  (Pike);  Cumberland,  "not  rare 
straggler"  (Mead),  "abundant  during  migrations"  (Brown's  Cat.  Birds 
of  Portland,  p.  34) ;  Hancock,  "common  in  fall"  (Dorr) ;  Knox, 
"migrant"  (Rackliff) ;  Oxford,  "very  rare"  (Nash)  ;  Piscataquis,  "not 
uncommon  migrant  on  the  larger  lakes"  (Homer) ;  Sagadahoc,  "plenty 
from  Nov.  until  April"  (Spinney  ^ ;  Washington,  "very  abundant,  none 
breed"  (Boardman). 

Genus  XEMA  Leach. 

26.  (62).     Xema  sabinii  (Sab.).     Sabine's  Gull. 

Of  accidental  occurrence  within  the  state.  One  specimen  is 
recorded  in  Smith's  List  of  the  Birds  of  Maine,  and  this  same  speci- 
men is  again  recorded  in  the  Bulletin  of  the  Nuttall  Ornithological 
Club,  Vol.  3,  page  195.  Mr.  Boardman  took  a  specimen  near 
Eastport,  on  Indian  Island,  New  Brunswick,  in  May,  1878. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "one  taken  in  Scarborough  on  May 
31st,  1877"  (for  this  record  see  Forest  and  Stream,  Vol.  20,  page  205, 
under  Smith's  List  of  the  Birds  of  Maine). 


Subfamily  STERNIN^E.     Terns. 
Genus  GELOCHELIDON  Brehm. 
27.      (63).     Gelochelidon  nilotica  (Hasselq.).    Gull-billed  Tern. 

This  species  has  occurred  as  an  accidental  visitor  from  the  south, 
several  specimens  having  been  taken  at  different  times. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "three  taken  in  Sept.  1868,  and  birds 
also  seen  on  May  21st,  1881"  (Smith's  List  of  the  Birds  of  Maine,  Forest 
and  Stream,  Vol.  20,  p.  205)  ;  Washington,  "accidental"  (Boardman.) 


BIRDS    OF    MAINE.  21 

Genus  STERNA  Linmeus. 
Subgenus  THALASSEUS  Boie. 

28.  (64).     Sterna  tschegrava  Lepech.     Caspian  Tern. 

A  rare  but  quite  regular  migrant  along  the  coast.  It  is  not 
known  to  breed  within  our  limits. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "a  bird  of  the  year  taken  at  Richmond's 
Island  in  1895"  (Cf.  Norton,  Proc.  Port.  Soc.  Nat.  Histr.,  Apr.  1,  1897, 
p.  104);  Knox,  "very  rare''  (Racklift);  Sagadahoc,  "Aug.  and  Sept., 
not  plenty"  (Spinney) ;  Washington,  "seen  in  migrations,  rare"  (Board- 
man). 

Subgenus  STERNA  Linuteus. 

29.  (70).     Sterna  hirundo  Linn.     Common  Tern. 

A  very  common  summer  resident  along  our  coast,  breeding  in 
colonies  on  the  various  grassy  islands,  often  in  company  with  Sterna 
paradiswa.  The  eggs  of  both  species  are  collected  and  eaten  by 
the  fishermen. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "rare  migrant"  (Johnson)  ;  Cumber- 
land, "abundant  summer  resident"  (Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p. 
34) ;  Franklin,  "migrant"  (Richards) ;  Hancock,  "breeds  commonly  on 
many  of  the  islands"  (Knight);  Kuox,  "summer"  (Racklift);  Oxford, 
"very  rare"  (Xash) ;  Penobscot,  (Hardy);  Sagadahoc,  "breeds"  (Spin- 
ney); Washington,  "abundant"  (Boardmau) ;  York,  (Butters). 

30.  (71).     Sterna  paradissea  Brtinn.     Arctic  Tern. 

Summer  resident  along  the  coast.  It  is  associated  in  the  breed- 
ing season  with  the  preceding  species  by  which  it  is  exceeded  in 

point  of  numbers. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "summer  resident"  (Brown's  Cat. 
Birds  of  Portland,  p.  34) ;  Hancock,  "summer  resident,  not  common" 
(Knight)  ;  Knox,  "summer"  (Racklift')  ;  Piscataquis,  "migrant  about  the 
lakes"  (Homer);  Sagadahoc,  "breeds"  (Spinney);  Washington,  "abund- 
ant" ( I>oardman). 

31.  (72).     Sterna  dougalli  Montag.     Roseate  Tern. 
Formerly  a  rare  summer  visitor  to  our  southern  coast,  but  has 

not  been  recorded  of  late  years.  Breeds  sparingly  on  Sable  Island, 
Nova  Scotia,  which  is  its  northern  limit.  (Cf.  Dwight,  Memoirs 
of  the  Nutt.  Ora.  Club,  No.  II,  "The  Ipswich  Sparrow,"  p.  16). 

County  Records.— Cumberland,  "seen  at  Green  Islands,  Casco  Bay" 
(Brewster,  Bull.  Xutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  4,  p.  15) ;  Knox,  "formerly  in 
summer,  now  exterminated"  (Norton). 


22  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

Subgenus  STERNULA  Boie. 

32.  (74).     Sterna  antillarum  (Less.).     Least  Tern. 

Formerly  of  quite  regular  occurrence  on  the  Green  Islands  in 
Casco  Bay.  It  is  reported  by  Mr.  Boardman  as  being  accidental 
at  Grand  Menan,  New  Brunswick.  There  are  no  recent  records. 

County  Records.— Cumberland,  "formerly  occurred  every  year  at  Green 
Islands,  but  none  seen  for  a  number  of  years"'  (Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of 
Portland,  p.  35  j. 

Subgenus  HALIPLANA    Wagler. 

33.  (75).     Sterna  fuligiuosa  Gmel.     Sooty  Tern. 

There  is  only  one  specimen  recorded  from  the  state,  and  this 
was  taken  at  Parkman  in  Piscataquis  County,  October  5,  1878.  It 
is  recorded  by  Ruthven  Deane  in  the  Bulletin  of  the  Nuttall  Orni- 
thological Club,  Vol.  5,  page  64. 

Genus  HYDROCHELIDON   Boie. 

34.  (77).     Hydrochelidon  nigra  surinamensis  (Gmel.). 

Black  Tern. 

This  species  is  of  rare  or  casual  occurrence  in  the  migrations. 
It  is  reported  by  Mr.  Boardman  as  accidental  at  Grand  Menan, 
New  Brunswick. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "transient  in  autumn,  uncommon" 
(Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  35) ;  York,  "occurs  at  Wells  Beach" 
(Brown  in  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  190). 

Family  RYNCHOPIDJE.     Skimmers. 
Genus  RYNCHOPS   Linnaeus. 

35.  (80).     Rynchops  nigra  Linn.     Black  Skimmer. 

An  accidental  visitor  from  the  south.  Several  specimens  have 
been  taken  at  various  times. 

County  Records. — Knox,  "Matinicus  Island"  (recorded  in  Smith's  List 
of  Birds  of  Maine,  Forest  and  Stream,  Vol.  20,  p.  205)  ;  Washington, 
"accidental"  (Boardman)  ;  York,  "taken  at  Wells  Bay"  (recorded  in 
Smith's  List  as  above). 


I'.IKDS    (>F    MAINK. 


23 


Order  TUBINARES.     Tube-nosed  Swimmers. 

Family  PROCELLARIID.*:.     Fulmars  and  Shearwaters. 
Subfamily  PROCELLARIIN^E.     Fulmars. 
Genus  PUFFINUS   Brisson. 

36.  (89).     Puffinus  gravis  ( O'Reilly) .    Greater  Shearwater. 
The  Shearwaters  are  birds  of  the  open  sea,  but  as  they  occur  off 

our  coast  they  can  be  given  a  place  in  the  list,  although  it  is  doubt- 
ful if  they  ever  occur  within  the  three  mile  limit  of  the  coast.  As 
their  occurrence  off  our  coast  has  been  satisfactorily  demonstrated, 
this  species  and  the  succeeding  one  are  accordingly  given  a  place 
in  the  list. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  given  in  Brown's  Catalogue  of  the 
Birds  of  Portland  as  "being  said  to  be  rather  common  by  fishermen"; 
Washington,  "common  at  sea"  (Boardman). 

37.  (94).     Pufiinus  stricklandi  Ridcjw.     Sooty  Shearwater. 
The  notes  on  the  preceding  species  will  apply  equally  well  here. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "rarely  seen  except  long  distances 
from  land,  there  apparently  common"  (Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Portland, 
}>.  :;.")  ;  Washington,  --rare  at  sea"  (Boardman). 

Genus  DAFITON   Stephens. 

38.  (102).     Daption  capensis  (Linn.).     Pintado  Petrel. 

A  specimen  is  recorded  by  Mr.  H.  A.  Purdie  in  Steam's  4kNew 
England  Bird  Life,"  p.  387.  In  view  of  recent  information  from 
Mr.  Purdie,  the  locality  given  in  the  above  as  Harpswell  would 
now  seem  to  be  erroneous.  In  a  recent  letter  under  the  date  of 
March  2d,  he  writes:  "I  happened  to  be  in  Worcester  yesterday 
on  business.  I  went  to  the  Natural  History  Rooms  and  saw  my 
bird  still  labeled  Manx  Shearwater,  Lewiston,  Me.,  June,  1875,  and 
this  was  the  date  and  place  that  a  Mr.  Dickinson  of  the  Worcester 
Natural  History  Society  purchased  the  bird  with  three  or  four 
others  of  one  Levi  Woolev,  who  I  understand  then  called  it  Manx 
Shearwater  and  so  it  has  stood  ever  since.  Said  Wooley  now  lives 
in  Waltham,  and  it  seems  has  lately  been  to  see  the  bird  and 
swears  it  is  the  bird  he  sold  Dickinson  in  1875,  and  I  presume  still 
believes  it  to  be  as  first  identified  by  him.  It  is  not  unlikely  that 
the  locality  named,  Harpswell,  is  wrong.  At  any  rate  Mr.  Wooley 


24  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

now  declares  that  the  bird  was  shot  by  Mr.  C.  F.  Nason  at  Lake 
Mooseluckmeguntic  in  September,  1872.  Nasou,  Wooley  and  two 
other  men  were  of  the  party  at  the  lake.  Wooley  saved  and 
brought  it  home  with  him.  Some  of  the  other  skins  that  Dickinson 
got  of  him  may  have  been  shot  at  Harpswell,  so  by  some  misunder- 
standing the  locality  of  the  bird  in  question  got  mixed." 

From  the  foregoing  it  would  seem  that  this  bird  is  undeniably 
entitled  to  a  place  in  our  list  as  an  accidental  visitor. 

Genus  OCEANODROMA  Reicheubach. 

39.      (106).     Oceanodroma  leucorhoa  (ViettL).  Leach's  Petrel. 

This  Petrel  is  the  only  breeding  representative  of  its  order  along 
our  coast.  It  nests  abundantly  on  many  of  the  extreme  outer 
islands  of  the  coast.  Especially  large  colonies  nest  annually  on 
Seal,  Big  Spoon,  Little  Duck  and  Green  Islands.  A  burrow  from 
one  to  three  feet  in  length  is  excavated  in  the  soft  loamy  soil  of  the 
island  selected  for  a  breeding  place,  and  at  the  end  of  this  hole  a 
small  quantity  of  dry  grass,  leaves,  rootlets  or  other  accessible 
material  is  rudely  shaped  into  some  resemblance  to  a  nest.  Here 
the  parent  bird  may  be  found,  incubating  its  single  white  egg  which 
in  most  cases  is  spotted  or  wreathed  with  various  obscure  reddish 
or  lavender  markings  about  the  larger  end.  The  eggs  are  deposited 
in  late  June  or  July,  and  the  parent  remains  on  the  nest  until 
removed  by  hand  in  case  some  person  digs  out  a  burrow.  When 
taken  in  the  hand  they  spit  forth  a  quantity  of  clear,  yellow- 
ish, musky  smelling  liquid.  When  this  falls  on  one's  clothes  the 
odor  is  perceptible  for  a  long  time,  and  the  eggs  of  this  species 
retain  the  characteristic  smell  for  years.  Birds  are  not  often  seen 
in  the  day  time  on  the  islands  where  they  breed,  unless  one  opens 
the  nesting  place  and  forcibly  removes  the  parent.  On  being 
turned  loose  in  such  cases,  the  bird  seems  dazed  and  stumbles  about 
in  a  semi-drunken  manner  or  stupidly  thrusts  its  head  into  the 
nearest  cavity.  If  tossed  into  the  air  it  heads  straight  out  to  sea. 
It  is  noteworthy  that  in  cases  where  the  nest  contains  its  egg  only 
one  bird  will  be  found  incubating,  its  mate  being  far  out  to  sea. 
In  cases  where  the  nest  is  still  in  the  process  of  construction,  both 
birds  are  usually  found  occupying  it.  At  night  the  islands  where 
these  birds  nest  become  full  of  manifestations  of  life.  The  sitting 
birds  leave  their  nests  and  go  to  feed,  while  their  mates  who  have 


BIKDS    Ol     MAINK.  25 

passed  the  day  at  sea  relieve  them  on  the  nests.  This  Petrel  is 
resident  off  the  coast,  but  in  winter  is  usually  found  far  out  at  sea. 
It  is  often  blown  inland  by  severe  storms. 

County  Records. — Audroscoggiu,  "one  taken  at  Lake  Auburn  aud  now 
in  the  collection  of  Prof.  Stauton"  (Staiitou  in  epist.)  ;  Cumberland, 
"breeds  on  Green  Islands,  Casco  Bay,  common"  (Brown  in  Bull.  Xutt. 
Orn.  Club,  Vol.  2,  p.  28)  ;  Hancock,  "nests  on  many  of  the  outer  islands" 
(Knight);  Knox,  "summer"  (Rackliff);  Oxford,  "one  8hot  on  Lake 
Peuuesseewassee,  Oct.  21st,  IS'.MI,  by  Will  Gary"  (Oxford  Co.  Advertiser 
of  that  date  or  thereabouts)  ;  Penobscot,  "accidental,  four  specimens 
have  been  taken  to  my  knowledge"  (KuightJ ;  Sagadahoc,  "common 
July  and  Aug."  (Spinney) ;  Washingtou,  "common,  breeds  ou  the 
islands"  (Boardman). 

Subfamily  OCEANITIN^. 
Genus  OCEANITES  Keyserling  and  Blasius. 

40.  (109).     Oceanites  oceanicus  (Kuhl).       Wilson's  Petrel. 

This  species  is  a  summer  visitor  off  our  coast  and  is  then  of 
uncommon  occurrence  at  sea.  It  nests  on  Kergueleu  Island,  off  the 
coast  of  Africa,  in  February,  and  consequently  its  proper  rating  on 
our  list  is  as  a  casual  visitor. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "appears  uncommon"  (Brown's  Cat. 
Birds  of  Portland,  p.  35)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "rare"  (Spinney)  ;  Washington, 

"rare,  seen  only  in  suimm'r"  (I><>ardmau). 

Order  STEGANOPODES.     Totipalmate  Swimmers. 
Family  SULID^E.     Gannets. 
Genus  SULA  Brissou. 

Subgeuus  DYSPORUS  Illiger. 

41.  (117).     Sula  bassaua  (Linn.).     Ganuet. 

An  irregular  migrant  and  winter  resident  along  the  coast,  but 
seemingly  never  abundant.  It  nests  north  of  the  state,  being  for- 
merly common  on  the  Gannet  Rocks  in  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence. 

County  Records.— Cumberland,  "winter  resident,  apparently  common" 
(Brown's  Cat.  of  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  33)  ;  Keuuebec,  "accidental,  one 
specimen"  (Ilainliifs  List  of  Birds  of  Kenuebec  Co.,  p.  173  of  the  10th 
Annual  Report  Sec'y  Me.  Bd.  Agr.) ;  Knox,  "very  rare"  (Racklift)  ;  Saga- 
dahoc. "common  spring  and  fall"  (Spinney) ;  Washington,  "common  down 
the  bay"  (Boardmau). 


26  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

Family  PHALACROCORACID^E.    Cormorants. 
Genus  PHALACROCORAX  Brisson. 
Subgcnus  PHALACROCORAX. 

42.  (119).     Phalacrocorax  carbo  (Linn.).     Cormorant. 

A  common  winter  visitor  along  the  coast  but  to  my  knowledge 
it  certainly  does  not  breed  in  the  state.  It  departs  for  the  north 
in  late  April  or  early  May. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "apparently  a  common  winter  resident" 
(Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  33)  ;  Knox,  "winter"  (Rackliff)  ; 
Penobscot,  "accidental,  one  shot  at  Chemo  Pond  in  October,  1896,  by  Mr. 
Mudgett  of  Orono"  (Knight)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "a  few  from  fall  to  spring" 
(Spinney);  Washington,  "not  abundant"  (Boardman). 

43.  (120).        Phalacrocorax    dilophus     (Swain.).        Double- 
crested  Cormorant. 

This  species  is  commonest  coastwise  in  migrations,  but  it  is  also 
a  rare  resident  along  the  coast.  A  few  pairs  nest  annually  on 
Black  Horse  Ledge  near  Isle  au  Haut.  It  is,  however,  seemingly 
not  found  in  winter,  save  in  these  counties  near  or  within  the  Alle- 
ghanian  Fauna. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "apparently  an  uncommon  winter 
resident"  (Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  33)  ;  Hancock,  "rare  sum- 
mer resident  on  coast,  breeds,  much  commoner  as  a  migrant"  (Knight)  ; 
Knox,  "migrant"  (RacklhT) ;  Penobscot,  "one  was  shot  at  Kingman 
about  Nov.  18th,  1805.  by  Rev.  J.  W.  Hatch,  it  is  now  in  the  Uni- 
versity of  Maine  collection"  (Knight)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "a  few  from  fall  to 
spring"  (Spinney);  Washington,  "common  in  migration"  (Boardman). 

Family  PELECANID^E.     Pelicans. 

Genus  PELECANUS  Linnseus. 
Subgenus  CRYTOPEL1CANUS  Reichenbach. 

44.  (125).      Pelecanus    erythrorhynchos     Gmel.       American 
White  Pelican. 

Of  accidental  occurrence  in  the  state  where  two  specimens  have 
been  captured. 

County  Records. — Penobscot,  "one  shot  on  Passadumkeag  Stream, 
near  Saponic  Lake,  May  28th,  1892,  b$  Peter  Sibley,  it  is  now  in  my 
collection  (Hardy)  ;  Washington,  "one  seen  at  Calais,  it  was  afterward 
shot  over  the  line  in  New  Brunswick"  (Boardman). 


l-.IIIDS    Ol      MAIN?..  27 

Order  ANSERES.     Lamellirostral  Swimmers. 

Family  ANATID^K.     Ducks,  Geese,  ami  Swans. 
Subfamily  MERGIN.K.     Mergansers. 
Genus  MERGANSER  Brisson. 

45.  (129.)     Merganser  americauus  (Cans.).     American  Mer- 
ganser. 

While  this  species  is  to  be  found  in  the  state  throughout  the 
year,  it  is  by  no  means  a  resident  of  one  particular  locality  for  this 
time.  It  is  a  fairly  common  migrant  and  winter  resident  along  the 
coast,  while  in  the  interior  it  is  a  summer  resident  and  breeder  on 
some  of  the  lakes  in  the  northern  part  of  the  state. 

County  Records. — Androscoggiu,  "abundant  migrant''  (Johnson) ; 
Cumberland,  "common  transient"  (Mead),  "common"  (Brock);  Frank, 
lin,  "common  summer  resident" (Richards) ;  Hancock,  "winter"(Knight)  ; 
Keunebec,  "rare"  (Dill)  ;  Kiiox,  "winter  resident''  (Rackliff)  ;  Oxford, 
"common  migrant"  (Johnson) ;  Penobscot,  "quite  rare  migrant'' 
(Knight) ;  Piscataquis,  "common,  breeds"  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "quite 
plenty  from  fall  to  spring"  (Spinney) ;  Somerset,  "not  very  common, 
apparently  only  migrant"  (Morrell)  ;  Waldo,  "winter  resident,  seemingly 
not  very  common''  (Knight)  ;  Washington,  "not  rare,  breeds"  (Board- 
man)  ;  York,  "rare  migrant"  (Adams). 

46.  (130).     Merganser  serrator  (Linn.).     Red-breasted  Mer- 
ganser. 

This  species  is  quite  a  common  resident  along  such  parts  of  the 
coast  as  belong  to  the  Canadian  Fauna,  and  also  occurs  as  a  sum- 
mer resident  on  some  of  the  interior  lakes.  In  the  Alleghanian 
Fauna  it  occurs  as  a  migrant,  or  winter  resident.  For  notes  on 
the  breeding  of  this  species  along  the  coast  see  Knight,  The  Auk, 
Vol.  12,  p.  387. 

County  Records. — Androscoggiu,  "fairly  common  migrant"  (Johnson)  ; 
Aroostook,  "common,  breeding  near  Houlton"  (Batchelder  Bull.Xutt. 
Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  152)  ;  Cumberland,  "common"  (Brook)  ;  Frank- 
lin, "rare  migrant"  (Richards) ;  Hancock,  "breeds  quite  commonly 
among  the  islands,  rare  in  winter"  (Knight)  ;  Kennebec,  (Dill)  ;  Knox, 
"resident"  (Racklift) ;  Oxford,  "quite  common"  (Xash) ;  Penobscot, 
"nests"  (Hardy)  ;  Piscataquis,  "quite  common  summer  resident"  (Whit- 
man) ;  Sagadtihoc,  "quite  plenty  from  fall  to  spring"  (Spinuey)  ;  Waldo, 
"not  very  common,  I  do  not  believe  it  nests  within  the  county"  (Knight)  ; 
Washington,  "not  rare"  (Boardman)  ;  York,  (Butters). 


28  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

Genus  LOPHODYTES   Reichenbach. 

47.  (131).     Lophodytes    cucullatus    (Linn.).      Hooded    Mer- 
ganser. 

While  this  species  is  quite  generally  distributed  throughout  the 
state  in  the  migrations,  it  cannot  be  said  to  be  common  anywhere. 
It  breeds  on  some  of  our  ponds  and  lakes. 

County  Records. — Androscoggiu,  "fairly  common  migrant"  (John- 
son) ;  Cumberland,  "rare"  (Mead),  "common"  (Brock)  ;  Franklin,  "rare 
migrant"  (Richards) ;  Hancock,  "rare  migrant"  (Dorr) ;  Kenuebec, 
"very  rare"  (Dill)  ;  Knox,  "rare  migrant"  (Rackliff)  ;  Oxford,  "breeds 
at  Lake  Umbagog"  (Maynard's  List  of  Birds  of  Coos  Co.,  N.  H.,  and 
Oxford  Co.,  Me.,  p.  30)  ;  Penobscot,  "rare  migrant"  (Knight)  ;  Piscata- 
quis,  "common,  breeds"  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "very  few  from  fall  to 
spring"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "rare  migrant"  (Morrell)  ;  Washington, 
"not  rare,  breeds"  (Boardraan). 

Subfamily  ANATINJE.     River  Ducks. 
Genus  ANAS  Linnaeus. 

48.  (132).     Anas  bofchsis  Linn .     Mallard. 

Th,e  Mallard  may  be  classed  as  a  rare  migrant  throughout  the 
state,  and  an  occasional  winter  resident  along  the  coast. 

County  Records. — Aiidroscoggiu,  "rare  migrant"  (Johnson)  ;  Cumber- 
land, "rare"  (Mead),  "uncommon,  chiefly  transient,  occasionally  occur- 
ring in  winter"  (Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  30)  ;  Hancock,  "rare" 
(Dorr)  ;  Kennebec,  "very  scarce"  (Dill) ;  Knox,  "rare  in  winter"  (Rack- 
liff) ;  Oxford,  "very  rare"  (Nash)  ;  Penobscot,  "I  shot  one  last  year" 
(Hardy)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "very  few,  fall  to  spring"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset, 
"accidental,  one  shot  Nov.  7th,  1893"  (Morrell)  ;  Washington,  "acciden- 
tal" (Boardmau). 

49.  (133).     Anas  obscura  Gfmel.     Black  Duck. 

A  very  common  summer  resident  on  many  of  our  streams  and 
lakes.  Along  the  coast  it  is  resident  although  much  rarer  in  win- 
ter than  at  other  seasons. 

County  Records — Audroscoggiu,  "common  summer  resident"  (John- 
sou)  ;  Aroostook,  "breeds"  (Batchelder  in  Bull.  Nut.  Oru.  Club,  Vol.  7, 
p.  151)  ;  Cumberland,  "common"  (Brock)  ;  Franklin,  "common  summer 
resident"  (Swain)  ;  Hancock,  "common  resident"  (Dorr) ;  Kenuebec 
(Dill)  ;  Knox,  "resident"  (Rackliff)  ;  Oxford,  "breeds"  (Nash)  ;  Penob- 
scot, "breeds  commonly  along  secluded  streams  and  ponds"  (Knight) ; 
Piscataquis,  "common,  breeds"  (Homer) ;  Sagadahoc,  "plenty,  a  few 
in  summer"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "common  summer  resident"  (Morrell)  ; 
Waldo,  "breeds  to  some  extent"  (Knight);  AVashingtou,  "common" 
(Boardman)  ;  York,  "migrant"  (Adams). 


BIRDS    OF    MAINE.  29 

Submenus  CHAULELASMUS   Bonaparte. 

50.  (135).     Anas  strepera  Linn.     Gadwall. 

An  accidental  visitor  to  the  state  which  has  only  been  recorded 
from  two  counties. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "two  specimens,  April  20,  1879'' 
(Smith's  List  of  Birds  of  Maine,  Forest  and  Stream,  Vol.  20,  p.  125)  ; 
Washington,  "accidental"  (Boardman). 

Subgenus  MARECA  Stephens. 

51.  (137).     Anas  americana  Gmel.     Baldpate. 

A  not  uncommon  migrant  along  the  coast,  rarer  in  the  interior. 
Breeds  north  of  our  limits. 

County  Records. — Audroscoggin,  "migrant"  (Johnson) ;  Cumberland, 
"often  common"  (Brock)  ;  Hancock,  "rare"  (Dorr)  ;  Oxford,  "very  rare" 
(Nash)  ;  Penobscot,  "one  shot  at  Monument  Brook"  (Hardy)  ;  Sagada- 
hoc,  "very  few  spring  and  fall"  (Spinney) ;  Washington  "very  rare" 
(Boardmau). 

Subgenus  NETTION  Kaup. 

52.  (139).     Anas  carolinensis  Gmel.     Green-winged  Teal. 

A  quite  common  migrant  throughout  the  state,  occurs  in  greater 
numbers  in  the  fall.  It  is  not  known  to  nest  in  the  state. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "fairly  common  migrant"  (Johnson)  ; 
Cumberland,  "common"  (Brock);  Hancock,  "rare"  (Dorr);  Kennebec 
(Dill) ;  Knox,  "rare  migrant"  (Rackliflf) ;  Oxford,  "common"  (Nash) ; 
Penobscot,  "rare  in  migrations"  (Lord)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "very  few  spring 
and  fall"  (Spinney) ;  Somerset,  "not  common  migrant"  (Morrell) ; 
Washington,  "not  common"  (Boardman). 

Subgenus  QUERQUEDULA  Stephens. 

53.  (140).     Anas  discors  Linn.     Blue-winged  Teal. 

This  little  Duck  occurs  chiefly  as  a  migrant,  and  is  quite  com- 
mon in  the  spring  and  fall.  A  few  remain  to  nest  in  the  extreme 
northern  and  eastern  counties. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "fairly  common  migrant"  (Johnson)  ; 
Cumberland,  "common"  (Brock)  ;  Franklin,  "rare  migrant"  (Richards)  ; 
Hancock,  (Dorr) ;  Kenuebec,  (Dill)  ;  Knox,  "rare  migrant"  (Rackliff)  ; 
Oxford,  "quite  common"  (Nash)  ;  Peuobscot,  "seemingly  a  quite  rare 
migrant"  (Knight) ;  Piscataquis,  "rare"  (Homer) ;  Sagadahoc,  "com- 
mon spring  and  fail"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "common  migrant"  (Mor- 
rell) ;  Washington,  "common,  breeds"  (Boardman). 


30  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

Gemis  SPATULA  Boie. 

54.  (142).     Spatula  clypeata  (Linn.).     Shoveller. 

A  rare  migrant  along  our  coast ;  most  of  the  specimens  recorded 
seem  to  be  from  Cumberland  County. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "rare"  (Brock)  ;  "six  specimens  are 
recorded  from  this  couuty"  (for  these  records  see  Smith's  List  of  Birds 
of  Maine  in  Forest  and  Stream,  Vol.  20,  p.  125)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "rare  spring 
and  fall"  (Spinney)  ;  Washington,  "accidental"  (Boardmau). 

Genus  DAFILA  Stephens. 

55.  (143).     Dafila  acuta  (Linn.).     Pintail. 

A  rare  migrant  throughout  the  state,  but  somewhat  commoner 
along  the  coast  than  in  the  interior.  So  infrequent  is  this  species 
in  occurrence  in  some  parts  of  the  state  that  it  has  been  recorded 
recorded  as  accidental  by  one  of  our  best  observers. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "rare  migrant"  (Johnson)  ;  Cumber 
land,  "fairly  common"  (Brock)  ;  Franklin,  "rare  migrant"  (Richards)  ; 
Kennebec,  (Dill)  ;  Kuox,  "rare  migrant"  (Rackliff)  ;  Oxford,  "very  rare" 
(Nash)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "rare  spring  and  fall"'  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "rare, 
two  specimens  in  fall  of  '95"  (Morrell) ;  Washington,  "accidental" 
(Boardman). 

Genus  A IX  Boie. 

56.  (144).     Aix  sponsa  (Linn.).     Wood  Duck. 

A  common  summer  resident  in  unsettled  localities  along  streams, 
ponds,  and  lakes  throughout  the  state.  It  is  now  less  common 
than  of  former  years. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "summer  resident"  (Johnson) ; 
Aroostook,  "breeds"  (Batchelder  in  Bull.  Xutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p. 
151)  ;  Cumberland,  "common"  (Mead)  ;  "rather  common  transient,  a 
few  remain  through  summer"  (Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  31)  ; 
Franklin,  "rare  summer  resident"  (Richards) ;  Hancock,  "summer  resi- 
dent" (March)  ;  Kennebec,  "common"  (Dill) ;  Knox,  "summer"  (Rack- 
liff) ;  Oxford,  "breeds  commonly"  (Xash)  ;  Penobscot,  "summer  resi- 
dent but  not  so  common  as  in  former  years"  (Knight) ;  Piscataquis, 
"common,  breeds"  (Homer) ;  Sagadahoc,  "quite  common  in  fall" 
(Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "rare  summer  resident,  common  migrant1"  (Mor- 
rell) ;  Washington,  "common"  (Boardman)  ;  York,  "migrant,  possibly  a 
few  breed"  (Adams) . 


BIRDS    OF    .MAIM..  31 

Subfamily  FULIGULIN.K.     Sea  Ducks. 

Genus  AYTHYA  Boie. 

r>7.      (146).     Aythya  ainericaua  (Eyt.).     Redhead. 
A  rare  migrant  through  the   greater   part   of   the    state.     It    is 
reported  as  breeding  in  Washington  County. 

<'c>unty  IJeconls. — ( 'um!>rrl;m<i.  "fairly  common"  (Brock);  Keuuebec, 
(Dill);  Kuox,  'Tare  migrant"  (I'sicklift) ;  Oxford,  "not  very  common" 
<  \:ish)  ;  Peuobscot,  "one  shot  at  Levant,  October  26,  1896,  and  now  in 

the  collection  of  the  University  of  Maine'1  (Knight)  ;  Washington,  ur;itv, 
breeds"  (Boardman). 

58.  (147).     Aythya  vallisneria  (  Wtlx.).     Canvas-back. 

As  there  are  but  two  seemingly  authentic  records  for  the'  state, 
this  species  may  be  classed  as  a  casual  visitor  without  much  doubt. 
There  have  been  other  specimens  reported,  but  on  investigation 
they  have  proved  to  be  the  preceding  species.  The  specimen  of 
Redhead  recorded  from  Penobscot  County  was  at  first  reported  as  a 
Canvas-back,  but  after  investigation  was  found  not  to  be  this 
species.  A  number  of  cases  reported,  where  the  report  was  not 
substantiated  by  the  production  of  the  specimen  for  identification, 
have  therefore  been  deemed  not  worthy  of  recording. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "taken  in  Casco  Bay  and  at  Cape 
Kli/abeth"  (Smith's  List  of  Birds  of  Maine,  Forest  and  Stream,  Vol.  20, 
p.  184). 

Subgenus  FULIGULA  Stephens. 

59.  (148).     Aythya  marila  uearctica   Stejn.     American  Scaup 
Duck. 

Common  coastwise  in  migrations,  and  also  occurs  some  winters. 
Usually  found  in  large  flocks. 

County  Records. — Androscoggiu,  (Johnson)  ;  Cumberland,  "common" 
(Brock)  ;  Hancock,  "a  specimen  from  this  county  in  my  collection" 
(Knight);  Kuox,  "winter*'  (Rackliff);  Sagadahoc,  "quite  common  in 
fall"  (Spinney);  Washington,  "not  common''  (Boardman). 

60.  (149).     Aythya  affinis  (Eyt.).     Lesser  Scaup  Duck. 

A  rare  migrant  along  the  coast,  wintering  chiefly  in  the  south 
and  breeding  north  of  the  state.  From  its  close  resemblance  to 
the  preceding  species  it  is  likely  to  escape  observation  except  by 
persons  well  acquainted  with  the  species. 


32  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

County  Kecords.— Cumberland,  "rare"  (Brock);  Knox,  "rare  in  win- 
ter" (Rackliff )  :  Washington,  "not  common"  (Boardman). 

61.  (150).     Aythya  collaris  (Donov.).     Ring-necked  Duck. 

A  rare  migrant  of  somewhat  local  occurrence  along  the  coast. 
It  is  reported  as  breeding  in  Washington  County. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "rare,  has  occurred  between  March 
31st  and  May  1st"  (Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  32)  ;  Washington, 
"not  common,  breeds"  (Boardman). 

Genus  CLANGULA  Leach. 

62.  (151).    Clangula  clangula  americana  (Bonap.).    American 
Golden-eye. 

Of  quite  general  distribution  in  the  migrations,  and  also  found 
throughout  the  winter  along  the  coast.  It  breeds  on  some  of  the 
ponds  and  lakes  of  the  northern  part  of  the  state. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "common  migrant"  (Johnson)  ;  Cum- 
berland, "common"  (Brock)  ;  Hancock,  "common  in  winter"  (Dorr)  ; 
Kennebec  (Dill)  ;  Knox,  "winter"  (Rackliff)  ;  Oxford,  "breeds"  (May- 
nard's  List  of  Birds  of  Coos  Co.,  N.  H.,  and  Oxford  Co.,  Me.,  p.  29)  ; 
Penobscot.  "common  migrant,  have  seen  it  on  the  ponds  as  late  as  the 
middle  of  May  so  it  may  possibly  nest  in  the  county"  (Knight) ;  Piscata- 
quis,  "common,  breeds"  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "quite  common  in  winter" 
(Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "common  migrant,  a  male  seen  June  23,  1896" 
(Morrell)  ;  Washington,  "common  resident"  (Boardman). 

63.  (152).     Clangula  islandica    (GmeL).     Barrow's   Golden- 
eye. 

A  rare  winter  visitor  to  our  coast,  but  on  account  of  its  general 
resemblance  to  the  preceding  it  would  be  likely  to  escape  detection 
except  by  persons  well  acquainted  with  our  birds. 

County  Records. — Hancock,  "rare  winter  resident''  (Dorr) ;  Knox, 
"winter"  (Norton);  Washington,  "common  in  winter"  (Boardman). 

Genus  CHARITONETTA  Stejueger. 

64.  (153).     Charitonetta  albeola  (Linn.).     Buffle-head. 

A  very  common  migrant  in  most  parts  of  the  state.  It  winters 
along  the  coast  in  the  southern  part  of  the  state,  and  is  reported 
as  breeding  in  the  northeastern  part. 

Count}'  Records. — Androscoggin,  "common  migrant"  (Johnson); 
Cumberland,  "rare"  (Mead),  "common"  (Brock);  Franklin,  "common 
migrant"  (Richards)  ;  Kiiox,  "winter"  (Rackliff) ;  Oxford,  "common 


OF     MAINE.  33 

visitant"  (Nash) ;  Penobscot,  "have  seen  specimens  taken  in  the  county" 
(Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "common  migrant"  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  'for- 
merly plenty,  now  scarce"  (Spinney)  ;  Washington,  "common  spring  and 
fall,  breeds''  (Boardman). 

Genus  HARELDA  Stephens. 

65.  (154).     Harelda  hyemalis  (Linn.).     Old-squaw. 

Very  common  along  the  coast  in  autumn,  winter  and  spring ; 
also  of  rare  occurrence  in  summer,  but  does  not  breed  within  the 
state.  Birds  seen  in  summer  are  probably  crippled  or  barren 
individuals  which  have  not  accompanied  their  relatives  to  the  breed- 
ing grounds  in  the  far  north. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  '-migrant"  (Johnson)  ;  Cumberland, 
"normally  a  winter  resident,  many  individuals  supposed  to  be  crippled 
remain  all  summer"  (Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  32);  Hancock, 
"common  in  winter"  (Dorr) ;  Kuox,  "winter"  (Rackliff; ;  Oxford,  "rare 
visitant"  (Nash);  Penobscot,  "one  shot  at  East  Eddington"  (Hardy); 
Piscataquis,  "rare  migrant"  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  in  winter, 
have  also  seen  it  here  in  summer"  (Spinney)  ;  Washington,  "abundant" 
(Boardmau). 

Genus  HISTRIONICUS  Lesson. 

66.  (155).       Histrionicus    histriouicus    (Linn.).      Harlequin 
Duck. 

Formerly  quite  a  common  winter  resident  along  the  coast,  but 
now  occurs  in  greatly  diminished  numbers.  At  present  it  is  to  be 
found  in  numbers  only  on  the  eastern  half  of  the  coast,  and  even 
here  it  is  not  very  common.  The  habits  and  occurrence  of  this 
species  along  our  coast  form  the  subject  of  an  admirable  article  by 
Mr.  A.  H.  Norton  (Cf.  Norton,  The  Auk,  Vol.  13,  pp.  229-234). 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "rare  winter  visitant"  (Brown's  Cat. 
Birds  of  Portland,  p.  32)  ;  Hancock,  "the  'Lord  and  Lady  Ducks'  are 
reported  by  gunners  as  fairly  common  in  winter  in  the  vicinity  of  various 
small  islands  near  Isle  au  Haut"  (Knight)  ;  Knox,  "winter"  (Racklift) ; 
Sagadahoc,  "rare  in  winter,  formerly  plenty"  (Spinney)  ;  Washington, 
••among  the  islands  in  fall  and  winter"  (Boardman). 

Genus  SOMATERIA  Leach. 
Subgenus  SOMATERIA. 

67.  (159).      Somateria   mollissima     borealis   A.    E.    Brelim. 
Northern  Eider. 


34  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

This  is  a  rare  winter  visitor  along  our  coast,  but  still  it  is  doubt- 
less much  commoner  than  would  be  supposed  from  the  meager 
records  presented.  Breeds  in  the  far  north,  and  south  as  far  as 
Labrador. 

County  Records. — Cumberland  (Brock) ;  Knox,  "rare  in  winter" 
(Rackliff)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "one  specimen,  a  male"  (Spinney). 

68.  (160).     Somateria  dresser!  Sharpe.     American  Eider. 

Of  general  occurrence  as  a  winter  visitor  along  the  entire  coast. 
It  is  a  rare  summer  resident  from  Isle  au  Haut  eastwerd,  breeding 
on  some  of  the  smaller  islands  in  colonies  of  two  to  four  pairs  of 
birds  or  by  single  pairs.  It  used  to  be  much  commoner  than  it  is 
now,  and  its  ultimate  extinction  as  a  breeding  bird  is  only  a  ques- 
tion of  a  few  years.  The  fishermen  know  of  every  "Sea  Duck's" 
(this  is  the  name  they  have  for  the  bird)  nest  in  the  neighborhood, 
and  promptly  rob  the  nests  of  their  eggs  for  culinary  use,  or  to 
hatch  and  rear  them  with  their  domestic  fowls.  (Cf.  Knight,  The 
Auk,  Vol.  12,  p.  388). 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "fairly  common"  (Brock)  ;  Hancock, 
"in  1896  about  seven  pair  of  these  birds  nested  on  various  small  islands 
between  Little  Duck  and  Isle  an  Haut,  while  the  previous  year  at  least 
ten  pair  of  the  birds  were  found  in  the  same  locality;  their  numbers  are 
decreasing  yearly"  (Knight)  ;  Knox,  "resident"  (Rackliff)  ;  Sagadahoc, 
"common  in  winter,  arrives  in  November"  (Spinney) ;  Washington, 
"abundant  in  winter"  (Boardman). 

Subgenus  ERIONETTA  Coues. 

69.  (162).     Somateria  spectabilis  (Linn.).     King  Eider. 

A  regular  winter  resident  along  the  coast,  where  it  sometimes 
occurs  quite  commonly,  but  is  usually  rare.  It  breeds  in  the 
Arctic  regions. 

County  Records.— Cumberland,  "fairly  common"  (Brock) ;  Knox, 
"winter"  (Rackliff)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "three  specimens  in  ten  years")  Spin- 
ney) ;  Washington,  "not  rare  in  winter"  (Boardman). 

Genus  OIDEMIA  Fleming. 
Subgenus  OIDEMIA. 

70.  (103).  Oidemia  americana  Sw.  and  Rich.    American  Scoter. 
A  resident  along  the  coast,  but  commonest  in  the  migrations  and 

in  winter.     It  is  of  rare  occurrence  inland  on  the  ponds  and  lakes. 


BIRDS    OF    MAINE.  35 

The  birds  seen  in  summer  have  probably  been  wounded  so  as  to  be 
unable  to  migrate  northward  with  their  relatives,  or  are  possibly 
barren  individuals  who  have  no  desire  to  do  so.  At  any  events  birds 
taken  in  the  summer,  which  seem  perfectly  strong  and  able  to  fly 
well,  have  on  dissection  shown  no  indications  of  breeding.  It  cer- 
tainly has  never  been  detected  breeding  within  the  state,  and  in 
Labrador  and  other  northern  countries  where  it  is  known  to  breed, 
it  is  said  to  resort  to  the  ponds  and  streams  away  from  the  sea- 
coast  for  this  purpose. 

County  Records. — Audroscoggiu,  "fairly  common  migrant"  (Johnson)  ; 
Cumberland,  "common"  (Brock)  ;  Hancock,  "common  in  winter,  rare  in 
summer"  (Knight);  Knox,  "resident"  (Rackliff)  ;  Penobscot  (Hardy); 
Bagadahoc,  "seen  the  year  around"  (Spinney)  ;  Waldo,  (Knight)  ;  Wash- 
ington, "common"  (Boardman)  ;  York,  (Butters). 

Subgenus  MELANITTA  Boie. 

71.  (165).     Oidemia  deglandi  Bonap.     White-winged  Scoter. 

The  remarks  made  under  the  preceding  species  will  all  apply 
equally  well  here.  It  does  not  breed  in  the  state. 

County  Records.— Audroscoggin,  "rare  migrant"  (Johnson)  ;  Cumber- 
hind,  "common"  (Brock);  Hancock,  "common  in  fall,  winter,  and 
spring,  fairly  common  in  summer"  (Knight) ;  Knox,  "resident"  (Rack- 
litt);  Penobscot,  "a  small  flock  seen  near  the  mouth  of  Pushaw  Pond 
late  in  April.  1896"  (Knight);  Sagadahoc,  "seen  the  year  around"  (Spin- 
ney); Waldo,  (Knight)  ;  Washington,  "common"  (Boardman). 

Subgenus  PELIONETTA  Kaup. 

72.  (166).     Oidemia  perspicillata  (Linn.).     Surf  Scoter. 

Occurs  under  the  same  conditions  as  the  American  Scoter  does, 
and  likewise  does  not  nest  in  the  state.  Seemingly  not  so  com- 
mon in  summer  as  the  other  two  species,  or  at  least  this  is  the  case 
in  Hancock  County. 

County  Records.  —  Androscoggin,  (Pike)  ;  Cumberland,  "common" 
(Brock)  ;  Franklin,  "rare  migrant"  (Richards)  ;  Hancock,  "common  in 
winter"  (Knight);  Knox,  "resident"  (Rackliff);  Oxford,  "visitant" 
(•Xash) ;  Peuobscot,  (Hardy)  ;  Piscataquis,  "rare"  (Horner)  ;  Sagadahoc, 
"seen  the  year  around"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "flock  of  nine  seen  in 
September  1895,  one  shot  by  H.  H.  Johnson"  (Morrell)  ;  Waldo,  (Knight)  ; 
Washington,  "common"  (Boardman). 


36  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

Genus  ERISMATURA  Bonaparte. 

73.  (167).     Erismatura  jamaicensis  (GmeL).     Ruddy  Duck. 

Chiefly  occurs  as  a  migrant  throughout  the  state  and  is  never 
especially  common.  It  breeds  in  limited  numbers  in  the  north- 
eastern part  of  the  state. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "migrant"  (Johuson)  ;  Cumberland, 
"common"  (Brock)  ;  Hancock,  "rare"  (Dorr) ;  Knox,  "transient  visitor" 
(Norton)  ;  Penobscot,  "occasional"  (Hardy)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "few  fall  and 
spring"  (Spinney)  ;  Washington,  "not  rare,  breeds"  (Boardman)  ;  York, 
"I  have  a  specimen  from  the  town  of  York"  (Norton). 

Subfamily  ANSERINE.     Geese. 
Genus  CHEN  Boie. 

74.  (169).     Chen  hyperborea  (Pall.).     Lesser  Snow  Goose. 
Of  rare  occurrence  in  migrations  when  they  are  quite  likely  to  be 

taken  in  almost  any  part  of  the  state  where  there  are  fair- sized 
bodies  of  water. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "taken  in  December,  1880"  (Brown's 
Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  30)  ;  Hancock,  "very  rare,  one  taken  at  Toddy 
Pond,  October  4th,  1893,  which  I  sold  to  Mr.  Brewster"  (Dorr)  ;  Keuue- 
bec,  "taken  at  Hallowell  on  November  25th,  1881"  (Smith's  List  of  the 
Birds  of  Maine,  Forest  and  Stream,  Vol.  20,  p.  125)  ;  Oxford,  in  the  Auk 
lor  April,  1897,  p.  207,  Mr.  Brewster  records  a  specimen  taken  at  Lake 
Umbagog,  Maine,  October  2, 1896,  by  Mr.  Charles  Douglass;  Penobscot, 
"have  one  shot  at  Pushaw  and  saw  one  shot  at  ^Nicatous"  (Hardy). 

75.  (169a).     Chen  hyperborea  nivalis  (Forst.).     Greater  Snow 
Goose. 

An  accidental  visitor  in  the  migrations.  I  have  been  able  to 
find  only  one  authentic  New  England  record  of  the  species.  In 
view  of  this  I  will  quote  from  a  recent  letter  from  the  owner  of  the 
specimen,  Mr.  Chas.  F.  Batchelder,  of  Cambridge,  Mass.  He 
says  :  "In  reply  to  yours  of  the  14th  inst.,  in  regard  to  my  note  in 
The  Auk  (Vol.  7,  p.  284),  entitled  The  Snow  Goose  (Chen  hyper- 
borea nivalis)  on  the  Coast  of  Maine,  I  will  say  that  I  there 
recorded  a  specimen  of  this  bird  which  I  received  in  the  flesh  and 
which  was  shot  on  Heron  Island  at  the  mouth  of  the  Kennebec 
River,  April  7th,  1890.  It  was  a  female  and  had  been  seen  about 
here  for  three  days  before  it  was  shot.  ...  It  is  now  in  my 
collection." 


BIRDS    OF    MAINE.  37 

Genus  BRANTA  Scopoli. 

76.  (172).     Brauta  canadensis  (Linn.).     Canada  Goose. 

Generally  distributed  as  a  migrant  throughout  the  state,  and  the 
v-shaped  flocks  of  these  birds,  led  by  some  old  gander,  are  a  com- 
mon sight  in  fall  and  spring.  They  breed  in  the  north. 

County  Records. — Audroscoggin,  "common  migrant"  (Johnson) ; 
Cumberland,  "migrant"  (Mead) ;  Franklin,  "common  migrant"  (Rich- 
ards) ;  Hancock,  "migrant"  (Murch)  ;  Kennebec,  "migrant"  (Gardiner 
Branch) ;  Knox,  "migrant"  (Rackliff) ;  Oxford,  "common  migrant" 
(Johnson) ;  Penobscot,  "flocks  flying  overhead  are  a  com.mon  sight  in  the 
spr'ui":  and  fall  migrations"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "migrant"  (Homer)  ; 
Sagadahoc,  "common  in  migration"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "not  common 
migrant"  (Morrell)  ;  Waldo,  "migrant"  (Spratt)  ;  Washington,  "com- 
mon" (Boardman)  ;  York,  "rare  migrant"  (Adams). 

77.  (172  a).     Brauta  canadensis  hutchinsii  (Rich.).      Hutch- 
in's  Goose. 

While  the  evidence  at  hand  will  allow  us  to  rank  the  species  as 
accidental  only  it  is  highly  probable  that  these  birds  may  occur 
quite  regularly  in  the  migrations.  This  species  is  cited  by  Smith 
as  having  been  shot  in  Maine.  (Cf .  Smith,  Forest  and  Stream, 
Vol.  20,  p.  125).  Fortunately  I  have  later  and  more  positive  evi- 
dence of  its  occurrence,  for  in  a  recent  letter  Dr.  Brock  of  Port- 
land writes  :  "I  can  give  you  the  most  positive  information  regard- 
ing the  Hutchin's  Goose,  as  I  have  the  specimen  myself.  It  is  an\ 
adult  male  and  was  taken  at  Cape  Elizabeth,  November  13,  1894. 
I  have  seen  a  specimen  said  to  have  been  shot  in  the  Rangeley 
region." 

78.  (173).     Branta  bernicla  (Linn.).     Brant. 

A  common  migrant  along  the  coast  and  of  rare  occurrence  in 
the  interior. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "rare"  (Brock) ;  Hancock,  "spring 
migrant"  (Dorr)  ;  Kennebec  (given  in  Hamlin's  List  of  Birds  of  Water- 
ville,  Rep.  Sec'y  Me.  Bd.  Agr.,  1865,  p.  172);  Knox,  "migrant" 
(Rackliff);  Oxford  (Maynard's  List  of  Birds  of  Coos  Co.,  N.  H.  and 
Oxford  Co.,  Me.,  p.  29)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  in  migrations"  (Spinney)  ; 
Washington,  "common"  (Boardman). 


38  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

Order  HERODIONES.     Herons,  Storks,  Ibises,  etc. 
Suborder  CICONI^E.     Storks,  etc. 

Family  CICONIID^E.     Storks  and  Wood  Ibises. 
Subfamily  TANTALIN.E.     Wood  Ibises. 
Genus  TANTALUS  Linnams. 

78.  1      (188).     Tantalus  loculator  Linn.     Wood  Ibis. 

Rut  one  specimen  is  known  to  have  been  taken  in  New  England. 
This  was  shot  in  Berwick,  York  County,  Maine,  July  16th,  1896, 
by  H.  M.  Brackett,  and  is  now  in  the  collection  of  Prof.  J.  Y. 
Stanton  of  Lewiston. 

Suborder  HERODII.     Herons,  Egrets,  Bitterns,  etc. 

Family  ARDEID^E.     Herons,  Bitterns,  etc. 

Subfamily  BOTAURIN^E.     Bitterns. 

Genus  BOTAURUS  Hermann. 

79.  (190).     Botaurus  lentiginosus  (Montag.).     American  Bit- 
tern. 

A  common  summer  resident,  breeds  in  the  vicinity  of  ponds, 
meadows  along  streams,  and  cat-tail  swamps,  throughout  the 
state.  It  is  known  to  the  average  individual  under  the  elegant 
names  of  Shite-poke,  Stake  Driver,  Bog  Hen, Thunder  Pump  and 
Indian  Hen.  Usually  only  one  pair  of  birds  will  be  found  in  a  given 
locality,  while  perhaps  half  or  quarter  of  a  mile  away  another  pair 
will  likewise  lay  claim  to  that  territory. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "common  summer  resident"  (John- 
son) ;  Aroostook,  "common"  (Batchelder  iu  Bull.  Nutt.  Oru.  Club,  Vol. 
7,  p.  151)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  summer  resident"  (Mead)  ;  Franklin, 
"common  summer  resident"  (Lee  &  McLain)  ;  Hancock,  "summer  resi- 
dent" (Murch) ;  Kennebec,  (given  in  Hamliu's  List  of  the  Birds  of 
Waterville,  Rep.  Sec'y  Me.  Bd.  Agr.,  1865,  p.  172) ;  Knox.  "sum- 
mer" (Rackliff(;  Oxford,  "breeds  commonly"  (Nash);  Penobscot, 
"breeds  in  suitable  localities  throughout  the  county"  (Knight)  ;  Piscata- 
quis,  "common,  breeds"  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "common"  (Spinney)  ; 
Somerset,  "common  summer  resident"  (Morrell) ;  Waldo,  (Spratt) ; 
Washington,  "very  common  in  summer"  (Boardmpn)  ;  York,  "breeds" 
(Adams). 

Genus  ARDETTA  Gray. 

80.  (191).     Ardetta  exilis  (Gmel.).     Least  Bittern. 

Formerly  quite  a  common  summer  resident  of  those  parts  of  the 
state  belonging  to  the  Alleghaniau  fauna,  but  of  late  years  it  has 
been  rare. 


BIRDS    OF    MAINE.  39 

County  Records.— Androscoggin,  "rare  summer  resident"  (Johnson)  ; 
Cumberland,  "found  breeding  at  Falraouth  in  1863"  (Smith's  List  of  the 
Birds  of  Maine,  Forest  and  Stream,  Vol.  20,  p.  105);  Knox,  "rare 
migrant"  (RacklifT) ;  Sagadahoc,  "rare,  two  specimens"  (Spinney) ; 
Wellington,  "rare"  (Boardman). 

Subfamily  ARDEIN^.     Herons  and  Egrets. 

Genus  ARDEA  Linnaeus. 

Subgenus  ARDEA. 

81.  (194).     Ardea  herodias  Linn.     Great  Blue  Heron. 

A  very  common  summer  resident  throughout  the  state.  Col- 
onies of  from  three  to  one  hundred  pairs  of  birds  may  still 
be  found  nesting  in  isolated  localities  about  ponds  and  lakes. 
In  such  places  they  seem  to  prefer  to  place  their  nests  in  tall  rock 
maplp  or  beech  trees,  and  as  many  as  six  nests  are  often  seen  in 
one  tree.  Many  small  colonies  also  breed  on  the  numerous  wooded 
islands  along  the  seacoast,  and  here  the  nests  are  almost  invariably 
placed  in  spruce  trees,  or  at  least  this  is  the  case  among  the 
islands  of  Penobscot  Bay. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "fairly  common  summer  resident" 
(Johnson)  ;  Aroostook,  "common"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club. Vol. 
7.  p.  151) ;  Cumberland,  "common  summer  resident"  (Mead)  ;  Franklin, 
"common  summer  resident"  (Swain)  ;  Hancock,  "breeds  commonly  on 
three  or  four  islands  of  Penobscot  Bay  and  about  the  ponds  of  the 
interior"  (Knight) ;  Kennebec,  "common  summer  resident"  (Gardiner 
Branch);  Knox,  "summer"  (Racklift);  Oxford,  "breeds  commonly' 
*  Nu<h) ;  Peuobscot,  "I  know  of  at  least  two  heroneries  occupied  yearly, 
and  perhaps  there  are  fifty  or  sixty  pair  of  birds  at  the  two  places" 
(Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "common,  breeds"  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "com- 
mou  fall  and  spring"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "common  summer  resident" 
(Morrell) ;  Waldo,  "summer  resident"  (Knight)  ;  Washington,  "common" 
(Boardman);  York,  (Adams). 

Subgenus  HERODIAS  Boie. 

82.  (196).     Ardea  egretta  Gmel.     American  Egret. 

An  accidental  visitor  from  the  south ;  four  specimens  have  been 
taken  within  the  state,  while  Mr.  Boardman  has  also  taken  one  at 
Grand  Menan. 

County  Records.— Cumberland,  "one  taken  August  22nd,  1853"  (Smith's 
List  of  the  Birds  of  Maine,  Forest  and  Stream,  Vol.  20,  p.  104),  "one  at 
Scarborough  in  April,  1875"  (Rod  and  Gun,  Vol.  6,  p.  65) ;  Hancock,  "one 
shot  at  Cranberry  Island  on  April  7th,  1891,  byElwood  Richardson"  (E. 
Smith) ;  Kennebec,  "one  shot  by  Will  Libby  on  Pleasant  Pond,  between 
Richmond  and  West  Gardiner,  August  20th,  1896,  this  was  in  company 
with  another  of  the  same  species"  (Powers). 


40  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

Subgenus  Florida  Baird. 

83.  (200).     Ardea  caerulea  Linn.     Little  Blue  Heron. 

An  accidental  visitor  from  the  south,  of  which  only  one  speci- 
men is  recorded.  This  was  taken  at  Scarborough,  Cumberland 
County,  September,  1881,  and  is  recorded  by  Brown  in  the  Bull. 
Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  123. 

Subgenus  BUTORIDES  Blyth. 

84.  (201).     Ardea  virescens  Linn.     Green  Heron. 

A  rare  summer  resident  in  the  southwestern  part  of  the  state, 
and  of  accidental  occurrence  in  the  eastern  part. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin.  "fairly  common  migrant"  (Johnson)  ; 
Cumberland,  "uncommon  summer  resident  near  Portland"  (Brown's  Cat. 
Birds  of  Portland,  p.  24)  ;  Franklin,  "rare"  (Richards)  ;  Kennebec,  "very 
rare"  (Robbins) ;  Knox,  "summer"  (Racklift) ;  Oxford,  "very  rare" 
(Nash)  ;  Penobscot,  "have  seen  one  taken  here"  (Hardy)  ;  Sagadahoe, 
"common  summer  resident,  breeds"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "quite  com- 
mon, apparently  only  migrant"  (Morrell)  ;  Washington,  "rare"  (Board- 
man). 

Genus  NYCTICORAX  Stephens. 
Subgenus  NYCTICORAX. 

85.  (202).     Nycticorax  nycticorax  naevius    (Bodd.).     Black- 
crowned  Night  Heron. 

A  common  summer  resident  along  the  coast,  where  it  breeds  in 
colonies  on  some  of  the  wooded  islands.  Not  so  common  in  the 
interior  about  the  ponds  and  lakes  where  it  probably  aJso  nests. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "fairly  common  summer  resident" 
(Johnson)  ;  Aroostook,  "not  common  at  Houlton"  (Batchelder,  Bull. 
Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  151) ;  Cumberland,  "common"  (Brock) ; 
Franklin,  "accidental"  (Swain)  ;  Hancock,  "know  of  two  fairly  large 
colonies  nesting  on  islands  in  Penobscot  Bay"  (Knight)  ;  Kennebec 
(given  in  Hamlin's  List  of  the  Birds  of  Waterville,  Rep.  Sec'y  Me. 
Bd.  Agr.,  1865,  p.  172)  ;  Knox,  "summer"  (Rackliff) ;  Lincoln,  "1895, 
one"  (Norton)  ;  Oxford,  "rare  visitant"  (Nash)  ;  Penobscot,  "plenty" 
(Hardy)  ;  Piscataquis,  "not  an  uncommon  visitor"  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc, 
"summer  resident"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "accidental,  two  specimens 
on  Aug.  9th,  1896"  (Morrell)  ;  Waldo,  (Knight)  ;  Washington,  "rare" 
(Boardman). 


BIRDS    OF    MAINE.  41 

Order  PALUDICOL^.     Cranes,  Rails,  etc. 

Suborder  RALLI.     Rails,  Gallinules,  Coots,  etc. 

Family  RALLID^E.     Rails,  Gallinules,  and  Coots. 
Subfamily  RALLIN^E.     Rails. 
Genus  RALLUS  Linnaeus. 
86.     (208).     Rallus  elegans  And.     King  Rail. 
An  accidental  visitor  to  the  state.     Only  two  specimens  recorded 
up  to  date. 

County  Records.— Cumberland,  "taken  at  Scarborough"  (Brown  in 
Bull.  Xutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  60),  "one  shot  at  Falmouth  by  Walter 
Rich,  Sept.  19th,  1895"  (Brock  in  the  Auk,  Vol.  13,  p.  79). 

*7.     (211).     Rallus  crepitans  Gmel.     Clapper  Rail. 
An  accidental  visitor  from  the  south  which  has  only  been  taken 
in  the  extreme  southern  part  of  the  state. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "one  taken  at  Sabattus  Pond,  in 
1874.  by  C.  F.  Nason"  (Smith's  List  of  Birds  of  Maine,  Forest  and 
Stream,  Vol.  20,  p.  124) ;  Cumberland,  "rare"  (Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of 
Portland,  p.  30)  ;  York,  (Brown  in  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  4,  p.  108). 

88.  (212).     Rallus  virginianus  Linn.     Virginia  Rail. 

A  rare  summer  resident  in  most  parts  of  the  state,  and  probably 
breeds  wherever  found  in  the  summer.  It  frequents  meadows 
and  marshes  near  the  various  ponds,  and  sluggish  streams  running 
therefrom. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "rare  summer  resident"  (Johnson)  ; 
Cumberland,  "rare  summer  resident"  (Mead) ;  Franklin,  "rare  summer 
resident"  (Swain)  ;  Kennebec,  "W.  R.  Guilford  has  a  specimen  shot  at 
Waterville"  (Morrell) ;  Knox,  "rare  migrant"  (Rackliff)  ;  Oxford,  "found 
young  in  down  at  Fryeburg  in  August.  1883"  (Mead)  ;  Peuobscot,  "rare" 
(Knight)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  in  fall"  (Spinney) ;  Somerset,  "found 
a  nest  with  five  newly  hatched  young  and  two  sterile  eggs  at  Hart- 
land  on  August  5, 1896"  (Knight)  ;  Washington,  "common"  (Boardman). 

Genus  PORZANA  Vieillot. 
Subgenus  PORZANA. 

89.  (214).     Porzana  Carolina  (Linn.).     Sora. 

This  species  is  of  quite  general  distribution  throughout  the  state, 
and  while  of  rare  or  local  occurrence  in  some  counties  it  is  quite 
common  in  others. 


42  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

County  Records. — Audroscoggin,  "rare  summer  resident"  (Johnson)  ; 
Aroostook,  "seen  at  Fort  Fairfleld"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club, 
Vol.  7,  p.  151) ;  Cumberland,  "common"  (Brock) ;  Knox,  "migrant" 
(Rackliff )  ;  Oxford,  "not  common  summer  resident  at  Norway"  (Ver- 
rill's  Birds  of  Norway,  in  the  Proceedings  of  the  Essex  Institute,  Vol.  3, 
p.  136  et  seq.)  ;  Penobscot,  "it  has  been  reported  to  me  as  occurring,  by 
good  authorities,  but  I  cannot  say  from  my  own  experience  that  it  actually 
does"  (Knight)  ;  Somerset,  "common  summer  resident"  (Morrell)  ;  Wash- 
ington, "abundant"  (Boardman). 

Subgenus  COTURNICOPS  Bonaparte. 

90.  (215).     Porzana  noveboracensis  (GmeL).     Yellow  Rail. 

This  is  probably  of  rare  occurrence  throughout  the  state, 
although  up  to  the  present  it  has  only  been  recorded  from  near  the 
coast.  Owing  to  the  very  secretive  habits  of  this  bird  it  might  be 
very  common  in  a  given  locality  and  still  not  be  observed.  Mr. 
Boardman  has  found  its  nest  and  eggs  near  Calais. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "quite  common"  (Brock)  ;  Knox,  "very 
rare  migrant"  (Rackliff)  ;  Washington,  "rare,  breeds"  (Boardman). 

Genus  CREX  Bechstein. 

91.  (217).     Crex  crex  (Linn.).     Corn  Crake. 

An  accidental  visitor  from  Europe  One  specimen  has  been 
taken  at  Dyke  Marsh  near  Falmouth,  Cumberland  County,  October 
4,  1889,  by  John  Whitney,  and  is  recorded  by  Dr  Brock  in  The 
Auk,  Vol.  13,  p.  173. 

Subfamily  GALLINULIN^E.     Gallinules. 
Genus  IONORNIS  Reichenbach. 

92.  (218).     lonornis  martinica  (Linn.).     Purple  Gallinule. 
An    accidental   visitor   from    the    south,    only   four    specimens 

recorded. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,"  one  taken  Apr.  11,  1897,  at  South 
Lewiston,  by  John  Turner"  (C.  D.  Farrar)  ;  Knox,  (Rackliff)  ;  Lincoln, 
"one  taken  at  Boothbay"  (Purdie  in  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  5,  p. 
173);  Washington,  "accidental"  (Boardman). 


BIRDS    OF    MAINE.  43 

Genus  GALLINULA  Brisson. 

93.  (219).     Gallinula  galeata  (Licht.).     Florida  Gallinule. 

A  rare  migrant  in  this  state.  It  might  almost  be  classed  as  a 
straggler  were  it  not  for  the  fact  that  there  are  several  records 
from  different  parts  of  the  state  at  different  times. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "rare  migrant"  (Johnson)  ;  Cumber- 
land, "taken  at  Falmouth"  (Brock  in  The  Auk,  Vol.  13,  p.  255)  ;  Han- 
cock, "one  taken  at  East  Sullivan,  May  5th,  1883.  by  M.  Uran"  (record 
from  E.  Smith) ;  Penobscot,  (Hardy)  ;  Washington,  "several"  (Board- 
man). 

Subfamily  FULICIBME.     Coots. 

Genus  FULICA  Linnaeus. 
i 

94.  (221).     Fulica  americaua  Gmel.     American  Coot. 

A  somewhat  rare  migrant  in  most  parts  of  the  state,  where  it  is 
seemingly  noticed  of tenest  in  the  autumn.  It  does  not  breed  in  the 
state,  which  seems  somewhat  odd,  as  this  species  nests  commonly 
from  southern  California  to  Illinois,  and  parts  of  Canada,  thus  not 
being  the  inhabitant  of  any  definite  faunal  area. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "migrant"  (Johnson)  ;  Cumberland, 
"rare"  (Mead)  ;  Hancock,  "migrant"  (Murch) ;  Keunebec,  (Dill)  ;  Knox, 
"rare  migrant"  (Racklift) ;  Oxford,  "visitant"  (Nash) ;  Penobscot, 
"seemingly  not  rare  in  fall,  have  seen  a  number  of  specimens  shot  here" 
(Knight) ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  in  fall"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "rare 
migrant''  (Morrell)  ;  Washington,  "not  uncommon"  (Boardman). 

Order  LIMICOL^E.     Shore  Birds. 

Family  PHALAROPODID^E.     Phalaropes. 
Genus  CRYMOPHILUS  Vieillot. 

95.  (222).     Crymophilus  fulicarius  (Linn.).     Red  Phalarope. 

An  uncommon  migrant  along  the  coast  and  of  still  rarer  occur- 
rence in  the  interior.  Mr.  Boardman  writes  :  "I  have  twice  found 
it  breeding  here,"  meaning  near  Calais. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "rare,  only  in  migration"  (Brock)  ; 
Peuobscot,  "I  know  of  a  pair  being  taken  at  Hermon  Pond"  (Hardy)  : 
Somerset,  "accidental,  one  shot  Oct.  17th,  1893"  (Morrell) ;  Washington, 
"not  uncommon,  a  few  are  summer  resident"  (Boardman). 


44  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

Genus  PHALAROPUS  Brisson. 
Subgenus  PHALAROPUS. 

96.  (223).     Phalaropus  lobatus  (Linn.).    Northern  Phalarope. 
Quite  common  as  a  migrant  along  the  coast  and  of  accidental 

occurrence  in  the  interior.     It  nests  north  of  our  limits. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "rare"  (Brock)  ;  Franklin,  "acciden- 
tal"  (Richards)  ;  Hancock,  (Dorr)  ;  Knox,  "migrant"  (Norton)  ;  Penob- 
scot,  uone  taken  by  Mr.  Fuller  of  Newport"  (Hardy)  ;  Piscataquis,  "one 
shot  on  the  Sebec  River,  near  Milo,  May  3,  1897,  and  sent  me  in  the  flesh 
by  William  Cooper"  (Knight) ;  Sagadahoc,  "common"  (Spinney)  ;  Wash- 
ington, "plenty  spring  and  fall"  (Boardman). 

Genus  STEGANOPUS  Vieillot. 

97.  (224).     Steganopus  tricolor  Vieill.     Wilson's  Phalarope. 
An  accidental  visitor  to  this  state. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "rare,  three  taken  near  Scarborough T 
on  June  9th,  1891"  (Smith's  List  of  the  Birds  of  Maine,  Forest  and 
Stream,  Vol.  20,  p.  124). 

Family  RECURVIROSTRID.E.     Avocets  and  Stilts. 
Genus  RECURVIROSTRA  Linnaeus. 

98.  (225).    Recurvirostra  americana  Gmel.    American  Avocet. 
An  accidental  visitor  from  the  west  of  which  there  is  one  record. 

Mr.  Boardman  has  taken  it  near  Calais  but  in  New  Brunswick. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "one  killed  on  Cape  Elizabeth,  Novem- 
ber 5th,  1878"  (Brown,  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  4,  p.  108). 

Family  SCOLOPACID^E.     Snipes,  Sandpipers,  etc. 
Genus  PHILOHELA  Gray. 

99.  (228).     Philohela  minor  (Gmel.}.     American  Woodcock. 
A  common  summer  resident  throughout  the  state.     It  arrives  in 

late  March  or  early  April.     In  the  fall  individuals  are  occasionally 
seen  as  late  as  the  middle  of  November. 

County  Records.  Androscoggin,  "common  summer  resident"  (John- 
sou)  ;  Aroostook,  "seen  at  Fort  Fairfield  and  Houlton"  Batch- 
elder,  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  151) ;  Cumberland,  "com- 
mon summer  resident"  (Mead) ;  Franklin,  "common  summer  resi- 
dent" (Swain);  Hancock,  "summer resident"  (Murch)  ;  Kennebec,  "sum- 
mer resident"  (Gardiner  Branch) ;  Knox,  "summer"  (Racklift)  ;  Oxford, 
"breeds  commonly"  (Nash)  ;  Penobscot,  "breeds  commonly  in  suitable 
localities"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "common,  breeds"  (Homer)  ;  Sagada- 
hoc, "common  summer  resident"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "quite  common 
migrant,  rare  summer  resident"  (Morrell)  ;  Waldo,  (Spratt)  ;  Washing- 
ton, "plenty,  breeds  early"  (Boardman)  ;  York,  "rare  breeder"  (Adams). 


BIRDS    OF    MAINE.  45 

Genus  GALLINAGO  Leach. 

100.  (230).     Gallinago  delicata  (Ord).     Wilson's  Snipe. 

A  common  migrant  in  fall  and  spring,  and  a  rare  summer  resi- 
dent in  some  parts  of  the  state. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "common  migrant"  (Johusou) ;  Cum- 
berland, "rare  near  Bridgtou"  (Mead),  "common"  (Brock);  Franklin, 
••o  >mmon  migrant"  (Richards)  ;  Hancock,  "migrant,  quite  common  on  the 
salt  marshes"  (Knight) ;  Kennebec,  "common"  (Gardiner  Branch)  ;  Knox, 
"migrant"  (Racklifl) ;  Oxford,  "breeds  rarely,  found  a  nest  in  June,  1881, 
near  Cold  River"  (Xash) ;  Penobscot,  "quite  a  common  migrant,  have 
seen  birds  along  Pushaw  Stream  in  June  so  it  is  a  rare  summer 
resident"  (Knight) ;  Piscataquis,  "common  migrant"  (Homer)  ;  Sagada- 
hoc,  "rare  in  spring,  common  in  fall"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "common 
migrant,  rare  summer  resident"  (Morrell) ;  Washington,  "plenty,  some 
breed"  (Boardman). 

Genus  MACRORHAMPHUS   Leach. 

101.  (231).     Macrorhamphus  griseus  (Gmel.).     Dowitcher. 
Quite  common  along  the  coast  in  migrations.     They  breed  in  the 

far  north,  and  begin  the  migration  southward  so  as  to  appear  on 
our  coast  in  late  July  or  early  August. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "common"  (Brock)  ;  Knox,  "summer* 
(Rackliff);  Washington,  "rare"  (Boardmau). 

Genus  MICROPALAMA  Baird. 

102.  (233).     Micropalama  himautopus  (Bonap.).     Stilt  Sand- 
piper. 

A  rare  migrant  along  the  coast,  and  seemingly  occurs  only  in 
autumn. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "transient  in  autumn  only,  rather 
uncommon"  (Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p  26)  ;  Washington,  "rare" 
(Boardmau). 

Genus  TR1NGA   Linnaeus. 
Subgenus  TRINGA. 

103.  (234).     Tringa  eauutus  Linn.     Knot. 

A  quite  common  migrant  cpastwise ;  in  the  fall  migrations  it 
appears  in  early  August.  Nests  in  Arctic  regions. 

County  Records.— Cumberland,  "common"  (Brock)  ;  Hancock,  "found 
it  common  at  Saddleback  Ledge,  Aug.  19th,  1896"  (Knight) ;  Knox, 
"migrant"  (Norton) ;  Sagadahoc,  "very  rare"  (Spinney)  ;  Washington, 
"rare"  (Boardman). 


46  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

104.  (235).     Tringa  maritima  Brunn.     Purple  Sandpiper. 

A  quite  common  late  fall  and  winter  resident  among  the  islands 
of  the  coast. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "fairly  common  in  winter"  (Brock)  ; 
Knox,  "winter"  (Rackliff)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  in  winter"  (Spinney)  ; 
Washington,  "abundant  in  winter"  (Boardman). 

105.  (239).     Tringa  maculata  Vieill.     Pectoral  Sandpiper. 

A  common  fall  migrant  in  many  parts  of  the  state,  but  of  rare 
occurrence  in  the  spring. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "common"  (Brock)  ;  Knox,  (Racklift)  ; 
Oxford,  "not  common  at  Norway  in  autumn"  (Verrill's  List  of  the  Birds 
of  Norway)  ;  Piscataquis,  "rare  migrant"  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "com- 
mon in  fall"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "quite  common  migrant"  (Morrell)  ; 
Washington,  "common  in  fall"  (Boardman). 

106.  (240).     Tringa  fuscicollis   Vieill.      White-rumped  Sand- 
piper. 

A  quite  rare  migrant  along  the  coast  and  of  casual  occurrence  in 
the  interior. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "occasional"  (Brock) ;  Knox,  "migrant" 
(Rackliff)  ;  Oxford,  (reported  from  this  county  in  Smith's  List  of  the 
Birds  of  Maine,  Forest  and  Stream,  Vol.  20,  p.  66)  ;  Penobscot,  "taken 
at  Bangor,  October  23,  1881"  (Merrill,  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p. 
191);  Washington,  "rare"  (Boardman). 

107.  (241).     Tringa  bairdii  ( Coues) .     Baird's  Sandpiper. 

A  rare  migrant  along  the  coast  and  of  accidental  occurrence  in 
the  interior. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "rare"  (Brock)  ;  Knox,  "rare  visitant" 
(Norton) ;  Oxford,  "taken  near  Upton"  (Brewster,  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn. 
Club,  Vol.  1,  p.  191). 

108.  (242).     Tringa  minutilla  Vieill.     Least  Sandpiper. 

A  very  common  migrant  along  the  coast  and  of  fairly  common 
occurrence  in  the  interior.  A  few  birds  are  seen  in  midsummer 
along  the  coast,  but  it  does  not  breed  in  the  state.  The  southward 
migration  begins  in  July  and  the  birds  are  common  through  Septem- 
ber. They  arrive  from  the  south  in  May. 

County  Records  — Androscoggin,  "common  migrant"  (Johnson)  ;  Cum- 
berland, "common"  (Brock)  ;  Hancock,  "migrant"  (Knight)  ;  Kennebec, 
(Dill);  Knox,  "summer"  (Rackliff);  Penobscot,  (Hardy)  ;  Piscataquis, 
"migrant"  (Homer) ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  in  summer"  (Spinney) ; 
Somerset,  "quite  common  migrant1"  (Morrell)  ;  Washington,  "abundant 
in  summer"  (Boardman). 


BIRDS    OF    MAINE.  47 

Submenus  PELIDXA  Cuvier. 

109.  (243a).     Tringa   alpina   pacifica    (Cones}.    Red-backed 
Sandpiper. 

A  common  autumn  migrant  along  some  parts  of  the  coast,  while 
on  other  parts  it  has  not  been  met  with  by  experienced  observers. 
It  is  seemingly  of  rare  occurrence  in  spring. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "common"  (Brock)  ;  Knox,  "migrant" 
(Kaeklift);  Washington,  "rare"  (Boardman). 

Subgenus  ANCYLOCHEILUS  Kaup. 

110.  (244).     Tringa  ferruginea  Brunn.     Curlew  Sandpiper. 
Of  accidental  occurrence  in  the  state,  a  specimen  being  killed  at 

Pine  Point,  Cumberland  County,  on  September  15, 1881,  by  Charles 
H.  Chandler.  (Cf.  Purdie,  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  124). 
It  has  also  been  taken  over  the  boundary  at  Grand  Menan,  New 
Brunswick,  by  Mr.  Boardman. 

Genus  EREUNETES  Illiger. 

111.  (246).      Ereunetes    pusillus     (Linn.).       Semipalmated 
Sandpiper. 

A  very  common  migrant  along  the  coast  and  somewhat  rare  in  the 
interior.  This  species  and  the  Least  Sandpiper,  with  which  it  is 
often  found  associated,  are  the  commonest  species  of  the  order, 
being  found  almost  anywhere  along  the  coast  in  the  migrations.  A 
few  birds  are  sometimes  seen  in  late  July  and  by  August  they  are 
common.  It  does  not  nest  in  the  state. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "rare  near  Bridgton"  (Mead)  ;  "com- 
mon" (Brock) ;  Hancock,  "abundant  along  the  coast  in  migration" 
(Knight) ;  Knox,  "summer"  (Rackliff)  ;  Penobscot,  (Hardy)  ;  Sagadahoc, 
"common  in  fall"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "quite  common  migrant"  (Mor- 
rell) ;  Washington,  "common"  (Boaraman). 

Genus  CALIDRIS  Cuvier. 

112.  (248).     Calidris  arenaria  (Linn.).     Sanderling. 

Common  along  the  coast  in  the  fall  migration,  and  of  somewhat 
rarer  occurrence  in  the  spring. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "common"  (Brock) ;  Knox,  "migrant" 
(Racklift) ;  Penobscot,  "a  specimen  was  killed  at  High  Head,  near  Ban- 
gor,  some  years  ago"  (Crosby)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  in  fall"  (Spinney)  ; 
Washington,  "common"  (Bo'i-adman). 


48  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

Genus  LIMOSA  Brisson. 

113.  (249).     Limosa  fedoa  (Linn.}.     Marbled  Godwit. 

Owing  to  the  absence  of  any  more  definite  evidence  of  the  occur- 
rence of  this  species  as  a  regular  visitor,  it  will  have  to  be  ranked 
as  accidental.  A  specimen  was  taken  at  Scarborough  Marsh, 
Cumberland  County,  in  May,  1884,  and  is  recorded  by  Brown  in 
The  Auk,  Vol.  2,  p.  385. 

114.  (251).     Limosa  hsemastica  (Linn.).    Hudsouiau  Godwit. 

A  rare  autumn  migrant  along  the  coast  where  it  is  seemingly  of 
somewhat  local  occurrence. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  ''transient  in  autumn,  generally  rare" 
(Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  28)  ;  Washington,  "rare"  (Boardman). 

Genus  TOTANUS  Bechstein. 

115.  (254).    Totanus  melanoleucus  (Gmel.).    Greater  Yellow- 
legs. 

A  common  migrant  throughout  the  state,  breeds  in  the  north. 
It  appears  from  the  north  early  in  August.  Some  years  birds  have 
been  observed  in  July,  but  they  are  not  known  to  have  nested  in 
the  state. 

County  Records. — Audroscoggin.  "fairly  common  migrant"  (Johnson)  ; 
Cumberland,  "rare  near  Bridgton"  (Mead),  "common"  (Brock);  Frank- 
lin, "rare  migrant'"  (Richards)  ;  Hancock,  "common  migrant"  (Dorr)  ; 
Kennebec,  "they  have  been  shot  here  in  abundance"  (Powers)  ;  Kuox, 
"summer"  (Racklift  )  ;  Oxford,  "migrant"  (Nash);  Penobscot,  "occurs 
in  fall  and  spring"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "migrant"  (Homer)  ;  Sagada- 
hoc,  "common  in  fall"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "common  migrant,  birds 
were  seen  during  the  summer  mouths  of  1895"  (Morrell)  ;  Washington, 
"common  spring  and  fall"  (Boardman). 

116.  (255).     Totanus  flavipes  (Gmel.).     Yellow-legs. 

A  common  autumn  and  rare  spring  migrant  throughout  the  state. 

County  Records.  —  Audroscoggin,  (Pike);  Cumberland,  "common" 
(Brock)  ;  Kuox,  (Racklift) ;  Oxford,  "not  common  at  Norway"  )Verrill's 
List  of  the  Birds  of  Norway)  ;  Peuobscot,  (Hardy)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "com- 
mon in  fall"  (Spiuney)  ;  Somerset,  "migrant"  (Morrell) ;  Washington, 
"common  only  in  fall"  (Boardman). 


BIKDS    OF    MAINE.  49 

Subgenus  HELODROMAS  Kaup. 

117.  (256).     Totanus  solitarius  (  Wils.).    Solitary  Sandpiper. 
A  common  migrant  throughout  the  state.     A  few  individuals 

remain  through  the   summer  in  the   northern  counties,  and   while 
they  doubtless  breed  I  cannot  positively  state  that  such  is  the  case. 

County  Records.  —  Audroscoggiu,  "common  migrant"  (Johnson); 
Cumberland,  "common"  (Brock);  Franklin,  "common  migrant"  (Rich- 
ards) ;  Kennebec,  "quite  common"  (Gardiner  Branch) ;  Knox,  "summer" 
(Rackliff);  Oxford,  "not  common  at  Norway"  (Verrill's  List  of  the 
Birds  of  Norway)  ;  Penobscot,  "common  migrant,  several  individuals 
were  seen  on  Pushaw  Stream,  June  8,  1894,  and  also  seen  in  the  same 
localities  in  summers  of  1895  and  1896"  (Knight)  ;  Pjscataquis,  "rare" 
Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "not  plenty,  a  few  in  oarly  fall"  (Spinney)  ;  Som- 
enet,  "common  migrant"(Morrell) ;  Washington, "common"  (Boardman). 

Genus  SYMPHEMIA  Rafinesque. 

118.  (258).     Symphemia  semipalmata  (Gmel).     Willet. 

A  rare  migrant  along  the  coast,  chiefly  occurring  in  late  summer 
and  autumn. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "rare"  (Brock)  ;  Kuox,  "rare  in  sum- 
mer" (Racklift')  ;  Sagadahoc,  "quite  rare,  one  taken  October  25,  1896" 
(Spinney);  Washington,  "rare"  (Boardman). 

Genus  PAVONCELLA  Leach. 

119.  (260).     Pavoncella  pugnax  (Linn.).     Ruff. 

An  accidental  visitor  from  Europe,  of  which  two  specimens  have 
been  taken  in  the  state,  and  a  third  one  just  over  the  boundary 
at  Grand  Menan,  by  Mr.  Boardman. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "Scarborough,  April  10, 1870"  (Smith's 
List  of  the  Birds  of  Maine,  Forest  and  Stream,  Vol.  20,  p.  85)  ;  Oxford, 
"one  taken  September  8,  1874,  at  Upton"  (Brewster,  Bull.  Xutt.  Orn. 
Club,  Vol.  1,  p.  19). 

Genus  BARTRAMIA  Lesson. 

120.  (261).      Bartramia   longicauda    (Bechst.).      Bartramian 
Sandpiper. 

A  common  migrant  throughout  the  state  and  quite  a  common 
summer  resident  in  the  interior  counties. 


50  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "fairly  common  summer  resident" 
(Johnson)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  summer  resident"  (Mead)  ;  Franklin, 
"common  summer  resident"  (Swain) ;  Kennebec,  "rare"  (Robbing) ; 
Knox,  "rare  visitant"  (Norton)  ;  Oxford,  "common,  breeds"  (Nash) ; 
Penobscot,  "common  migrant,  rare  summer  resident"  (Knight)  ;  Piscata- 
quis.  "common,  breeds"  (Homer) ;  Sagadahoc,  "a  few  in  early  fall" 
(Spinney) ;  Somerset,  "quite  common  summer  resident"  (Morrell) ; 
Washington,  "accidental"  (Boardman). 

Genus  TRYNGITES  Cabanis. 

121.  (262).     Tryngites  subruficollis   (VieilL).     Buff-breasted 
Sandpiper. 

Accidental  along  the  coast.  In  the  Forest  and  Stream,  Vol.  20, 
p.  85,  Mr.  Smith  records  a  specimen  taken  at  Scarborough,  Cum- 
berland County.  He  has  recently  given  information  regarding  a 
specimen  which  was  taken  at  Cape  Elizabeth  in  the  above  county, 
on  September  13,  1887. 

Genus  ACTITIS  Illiger. 

122.  (263).     Actitis  macularia  (Linn.).     Spotted  Sandpiper. 
A    very    common    summer    resident    throughout    the   state.     It 

breeds  both  on  the  outer  islands  of  the  coast  and  along  the  ponds 
and  streams  of  the  interior,  the  eggs  being  laid  in  late  May  and 
early  June.  When  flushed  it  utters  a  "peet-weet,  peet-weet"  and 
flies  out  over  the  water,  and  then  in  a  semi-circular  course  back  to 
the  shore  again.  If  followed  up  it  will  do  this  for  a  number  of 
times,  but  finally  instead  of  being  driven  further  along  the  shore  it 
will  circle  for  a  short  distance  back  toward  the  place  it  was  first 
driven  from  and  again  seek  the  shore.  When  on  land  it  seems 
very  uneasy  and  is  constantly  tipping,  bowing,  and  tetering. 
From  this  habit  it  is  locally  known  as  Teter-up,  Tip-tail,  Tip-up,  etc. 
County  Records. — Androscoggiu,  "common  summer  resident"  (John- 
son) ;  Aroostook,  "Fort  Fairfield  and  Houltou,  common"  (Batchelder, 
Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  151)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  summer 
resident"  (Mead)  ;  Franklin,  "common  summer  resident"  (Swain) ;  Han- 
cock, "breeds  commonly  on  the  islands  along  the  coast"  (Knight)  ;  Ken- 
nebec, "common  summer  resident"  (Gardiner  Branch)  ;  Knox,  "summer" 
(Rackliff) ;  Lincoln,  "common,  breeding  on  the  islands"  (Norton) ; 
Oxford,  "breeds  commonly"  (Nash)  ;  Penobscot,  "very  common  sum- 
mer resident"  (Knight);  Piscataquis,  "common,  breeds"  (Homer); 
Sagadahoc,  "common  breeder"  (Spinney) ;  Somerset,  "common  sum- 
mer resident"  (Morrell) ;  Waldo,  "common"  (Knight) ;  Washington, 
"abundant  summer  resident"  (Boardman) ;  York,  "common  summer 
resident"  (Adams). 


BIRDS    OF    MAINE.  51 

Genus  NUMENIUS  Brisson. 

123.  (264).     Numenius   longirostris    WHs.     Long-billed  Cur- 
lew. 

A  casual  visitor  in  spring  and  late  summer. 

Count}'  Records. — Cumberland,  "one  at  Scarborough,  May  2nd,  1866" 
(Smith's  List  of  the  Birds  of  Maine,  Forest  and  Stream.  Vol.  20,  p.  85)  ; 
Knox.  "rare  visitant  in  summer"  (Norton);  Sagadahoc,  "very  rare  in 
August"  (Spinney);  Washington,  "very  rare"  (Boardman). 

124.  (265).     Numenius  hudsonicus  Lath.     Hudsonian  Curlew. 
A  quite  rare  migrant  along   the  coast   in   spring  and    autumn, 

breeding  in  the  far  north. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "common"  (Brock)  ;  Knox,  "migrant" 
(Rackliff) ;  Washington,  "very  rare"  (Boardman). 

125.  (266).     Numenius  borealis  (Forst.).  Eskimo  Curlew. 

A  migrant  of  varying  abundance,  chiefly  occurring  along  the 
coast  and  less  commonly  in  the  interior  of  the  state.  In  other 
parts  of  the  country  it  is  said  to  be  far  commoner  in  the  interior 

than  it  is  coastwise. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  (Pike);  Cumberland,  "common'' 
(Brock);  Knox,  "migrant"  (Rackliff);  Piscataquis,  "rare  visitor" 
(Homer);  Sauailahoc,  "very  few  in  Aug."  (Spinney);  Washington, 

••very  rare''  (Boardman). 

Family   CHARADRIID^E.    Plovers. 
Genus   SQUATAROLA   Cuvier. 

126.  (270).     Squatarola    squatarola     (Linn.).     Black-bellied 
Plover. 

Common  along"  the  coast  in  migrations  and  of  rare  occurrence  in 
the  interior. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  (Pike) ;  Cumberland,  "common" 
(Brock) ;  Hancock,  "migrant"  (Dorr) ;  Knox,  "migrant"  (Rackliff) ; 
Lincoln,  "as  seen  on  Western  Egg  Rock,  June  24,  1895"  (Norton)  ; 
Peuobscot,  "a  specimen  killed  on  Sunkhaze  Stream  is  in  the  Univer- 
sity of  Maine  collection"  (Knight)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  fall  and  spring" 
(Spinney)  ;  Washington,  "not  very  common"  (Boardman). 

'Genus  CHARADRIUS  Linnaeus. 

127.  (272).      Charadrius   dominicus    Midi.    American  Golden 
Plover. 


52  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

A  common  autumn  migrant  throughout  the  state  but  seemingly 
not  occurring  in  the  spring.  This  absence  of  the  species  in  spring 
is  due  to  their  seeking  their  northern  breeding  grounds  by  a  differ- 
ent route  from  that  pursued  in  their  journey  southward. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "fairly  common  migrant"  (Johnson)  ; 
Cumberland,  "common"  (Brock);  Kennebec,  Dill);  Knox,  (Rackliff  ); 
Oxford,  (given  in  Verrill's  List  of  the  Birds  of  Norway)  ;  Penobscot, 
"common  some  falls  and  rare  others"  (Knight) ;  Piscataquis,  "migrant" 
(Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "rare  in  fall"  (Spinney) ;  Somerset,  "two  speci- 
mens shot  by  H.  H.  Johnson,  September  10,  1894"  (Morrell);  Washing- 
ton, "not  very  common"  (Boardman)  ;  York,  (Butters). 

Genus  ^EGIALITIS  Boie. 
Subgenus  OXYECHUS  Reichenbach. 

128.  (273).     ^Egialitis  vocif era  (Linn. ) .     Killdeer. 

A  very  rare  migrant  throughout  the  state,  but  still  of  such  com- 
paratively frequent  occurrence  as  to  prevent  its  being  called 
accidental. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  (Pike) ;  Cumberland,  "rare' 
(Brock)  ;  Knox,  "rare  migrant"  (RacklhY)  ;  Penobscot,  "used  to  occur 
here  forty  years  ago"  (Hardy)  ;  Piscataquis,  "rare"  (Homer)  ;  Sagada- 
hoc, "very  scarce  in  fall"  (Spinney)  ;  Washington,  "accidental"  (Board- 
man). 

Subgenus  ^Egialitis  Boie. 

129.  (274).     ^Egialitis    semipalmata    Bonap.      Semipalmated 
Plover. 

A  very  common  migrant  along  the  coast  and  of  fairly  common 
occurrence  in  the  interior.  A  few  individuals  remain  all  summer 
along  the  coast  but  they  do  not  breed  in  the  state.  They  are  com- 
monly called  Ring  Necks  by  hunters. 

County  Records.— Androscoggin,  "fairly  common  migrant"  (Johnson)  ; 
Cumberland,  "common"  (Brock)  ;  Hancock,  "common  in  migrations,  I 
saw  a  flock  of  four  individuals  at  Saddleback  Ledge  on  June  22d,  1896" 
(Knight);  Kennebec,  (Dill);  Knox,  "summer"  (Rackliff);  Oxford, 
uoccurs  at  Lake  Umbagog"  (Brewster,  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  5,  p. 
60)  ;  Penobscot,  "taken  at  Stillwater  by  John  Lord"  (Knight)  ;  Sagada- 
hoc, "common  in  August"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "one  shot  August  10th, 
1894"  (Morrell)  ;  Washington,  "common  in  summer"  (Boardman). 

130.  (277).     ^Egialitis  meloda  (Ord).     Piping  Plover. 
Formerly  a  rare  summer  resident  along  our  coast,  probably  still 

occurs  in  limited  numbers.     Its  rarity  is  proved  by  the  fact  that 


BIRDS    OF    MAINE.  53 

several  good  observers  have   failed  to  detect  this  species  of  late 
years. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "rare  summer  resident"  (Brown's  Cat. 
Birds  of  Portland,  p.  25)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "very  scarce  in  August,"  (Spin- 
ney) ;  Washington,  "rare,  said  to  breed  on  the  islands1'  (Boardman). 

131.  (277a).     ^Egialitis    meloda  circumcincta  Ridgw.     Belted 
Piping  Plover. 

Of  accidental  occurrence  along  the  coast  in  migrations.  Only 
one  specimen  has  been  recorded  from  the  state,  this  being  taken  at 
Scarborough,  Cumberland  County.  (Cf.  Allen,  Auk,  Vol.  3,  p.  82). 

Family  APHRIZID^E.     Surf  Birds  and  Turnstones. 

Subfamily  ARENARIIN^E.     Turnstones. 

Genus  ARENARIA  Brisson. 

132.  (283).     Arenaria  iuterpres  (Linn.).     Turnstone. 
Common  along  the  coast  in  the  migrations,   occurring  in  May, 

late  July,  August,  and  September. 

Counfy  Records.—  Cumberland,  "common"'  (Brock)  ;  Hancock,  "found 
it  common  among  the  islands  in  August,  1896"  (Knight)  ;  Knox,  "sum- 
mer" (Rackliff) ;  Penobscot,  "I  am  informed  by  Mr.  Fred  Colby,  who  is 
well  informed  regarding  our  birds,  that  he  shot  a  specimen  of  this  bird  at 
Hermon  Pond,  its  occurrence  there  being  accidental"  (Knight)  ;  Sagada- 
hoc, "common  in  August"  (Spinney) ;  Washington,  "fall,  not  rare" 
(Boardman). 


Order  GALLIN^E.     Gallinaceous  Birds. 

Suborder    PHASIANI.        Pheasants,     Grouse,     Partridges, 
Quails,  etc. 

Family  TETRAONIDJE.     Grouse,  Partridges,  etc. 
Subfamily  PERDICIN^E.     Partridges. 

Genus  COLINUS  Lesson. 

133.  (289).  Colinus  virginianus  (Linn.).  Bob-white. 
Formerly  a  permanent  resident  of  the  southern  part  of  the  state, 
and  while  it  still  occurs,  it  is  very  rare.  Under  the  date  of  July 
12th,  1897,  Mr.  J.  C.  Mead  of  North  Bridgton,  Cumberland 
County,  writes  :  "We  have  had  a  Bob-white  with  us  now  for  nearly 
a  month.  Every  now  and  then  it  comes  into  the  pasture  in  the 


54  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

rear  of  my  house  and  near  the  lake,  and  calls  by  the  hour.  Mrs. 
Mead  and  I  had  an  excellent  opportunity  to  watch  it  through  the 
"glasses"  at  short  range  for  a  long  time."  This  is  the  most  recent 
record  for  the  state. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "rare"  (Johnson) ;  Cumberland, 
"occasional"  (Brock),  "within  past  few  years  sportsmen  have  attempted 
to  add  it  to  our  local  game  birds"  (Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  38)  ; 
Franklin,  "very  rare,  not  seen  since  1890,  and  then  only  two  seen" 
(Swain)  ;  Penobscot,  "introduced  to  the  county,  some  birds  were  let 
loose  near  Hermon,  in  1894,  by  George  Abbott,  and  these  are  reported  to 
have  bred  in  1895  and  1896"  (Knight). 

Subfamily  TETRAONIN^.     Grouse. 

Genus  DENDRAGAPUS   Elliot. 
Subgenus  CANACHITES  Stejneger. 

134.  (298).       Dendragapus    canadensis    (Linn.).      Canada 
Grouse. 

This  species  is  a  very  rare  resident  of  the  counties  included  in 
the  Canadian  fauna  and  probably  breeds  wherever  found.  In  hab- 
its it  is  a  tame  and  unsuspecting  bird  and  can  be  easily  shot  or 
even  knocked  on  the  head  with  a  club. 

County  Records. — Aroostook,  "found  at  Houlton"  (Batchelder  in  Bull. 
Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  151)  ;  Franklin,  "rare  resident"  (Richards) ; 
Hancock,  "rare"  (Dorr) ;  Knox,  "rare"  (Racklift) ;  Oxford,  '^breeds 
rarely"  (Nash)  ;  Penobscot,  "very  rare  resident"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis, 
"resident,  not  common"  (Homer)  ;  Somerset,  "resident  in  northern  part 
of  county"  (Morrell)  ;  Washington,  "common  resident"  (Boardmau). 

Genus  BONASA  Stephens. 

135.  (300  a).     Bonasa   umbellus  togata    (Linn.).     Canadian 
Ruffed  Grouse. 

While  all  the  general  and  county  lists  of  this  state  which 
have  been  published  unite  in  calling  our  bird  bonasa 
umbellus  (Linn.),  there  seems  to  be  much  doubt  that  the  typical 
Ruffed  Grouse  has  ever  been  taken  in  the  state.  (Cf.  Norton, 
Maine  Sportsman,  Vol.  4,  No.  38,  p.  6).  Nevertheless  Mr. 
Norton  thinks  that  birds  referable  to  umbellus  will  ultimately  be 
taken  in  our  southern  counties.  During  the  fall  of  1896,  hundreds 
of  Grouse  were  examined  in  the  Bangor  markets  by  the  editor,  and 
specimens  approaching  umbellus  were  purchased  and  preserved  for 


BIRDS    OF    MAINK.  55 

determination.  Later  these  birds  together  with  a  series  from  Cum- 
berland County,  which  were  kindly  furnished  by  Mr.  J.  C.  Mead, 
were  sent  to  Mr.  William  Brewster  for  identification,  and  he 
referred  all  to  the  race  togata.  Evidence  bearing  on  the  matter 
has  been  solicited  from  Ornithologists  throughout  the  state,  and 
nearly  all  have  pronounced  the  birds  of  their  locality  to  belong  to 
this  latter  race.  In  view  of  this  evidence,  it  has  been  deemed 
advisable  to  place  the  true  Ruffed  Grouse  in  our  hypothetical  list 
until  its  presence  has  been  satisfactorily  demonstrated 
by  the  production  of  specimens  taken  within  our  limits.  The 
''Partridge"  is  a  common  resident  throughout  the  state,  breeding 
from  early  May  to  the  middle  of  June.  Perhaps  the  eggs  may  be 
deposited  at  an  earlier  date  in  some  localities,  but  when  fresh  eggs 
are  found  at  a  later  date  than  June  15th  it  is  reasonably  fair  to 
assume  that  they  are  a  second  set,  and  doubtless  due  to  the  bird 
having  been  robbed  of  her  first  laying.  The  drumming  of  the 
cock  bird  is  a  sound  well  known  to  nearly  every  inhabitant  of  the 
state.  While  during  the  breeding  season  it  probably  serves  to 
attract  the  female,  yet  it  cannot  be  used  exclusively  for  this  pur- 
pose, as  I  have  heard  birds  drumming  in  the  late  fall  and  even  in 
midwinter.  However,  it  is  a  fact  that  the  birds  drum  most  fre- 
quently in  the  spring  and  early  summer.  This  drumming  and  the 
attitude  assumed  while  doing  so  are  admirably  described  by  Mr.  J. 
C.  Mead  in  the  Maine  Sportsman  for  June,  1896,  p.  6,  and  also 
by  "Penobscot"  in  the  September  issue  of  the  same  on  p.  6.  The 
editor  has  examined  birds  from  Aroostook,  Cumberland,  Frank- 
lin, Hancock,  Penobscot,  and  Waldo  Counties,  and  found  all  to  be 
referable  to  togata. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  ''common  resident"  (Call)  ;  Aroos- 
took, "reported  as  common"  (Knight) ;  Cumberland,  "common  resident" 
(Mead)  ;  Franklin,  "common  resident"  (Lee  and  McLain) ;  Hancock, 
"common  resident  both  inland  and  on  many  of  the  wooded  islands  along 
the  coast"  (Knight)  ;  Kennebec,  "common  resident"  (Powers)  ;  Knox, 
"resident"  (Raekliff) ;  Oxford,  "breeds  common"  (Nash);  Penobscot, 
"common  resident"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "common  resident"  (Homer)  ; 
Bagadahoc,  "nests"  (Spinney) ;  Somerset,  "common"  (Morrell)  ;  Waldo, 
"common"  (Knight) ;  Washington,  "common"  (Boardman) ;  York, 
"would  be  common  if  spoilsmen  would  let  them  alone"  (Adams). 


56  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

Genus  LAGOPU8  Brisson. 

136.  (301).     Lagopus    lagopus   (Linn.).     Willow  Ptarmigan. 
Of    accidental   occurrence   at   Kenduskeag,  Penobscot    County, 

where  a  specimen  was  shot  on  April  23,  1892.      (Of.  Merrill,  Auk 
Vol.  9,  p.  300). 

Family  PHASIANID^E.  Pheasants,  etc. 

Subfamily   MELEAGRIN^E.    Turkeys. 
Genus   MELEAGRIS    Linnaeus. 

137.  (310).     Meleagris  gallopavo  Linn.     Wild  Turkey. 

This  species  is  recorded  as  having  formerly  been  found  in  southern 
Maine.  (Cf.  Allen,  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  1,  p.  55). 
Evidences  of  its  having  formerly  occurred  on  Mount  Desert  Island, 
Hancock  County,  are  also  given  by  Mr.  Townsend.  (Cf.  Townsend, 
ibid.  p.  60).  There  are  no  records  of  the  occurrence  of  the  Wild 
Turkey  in  recent  years  so  we  may  rate  it  as  long  ago  extinct 
within  our  limits.  In  some  of  the  southern  and  western  states  it 
still  occurs  in  comparative  abundance,  but  as  soon  as  a  given  region 
becomes  settled  up  the  Turkeys  disappear,  owing  to  the  destructive 
proclivities  of  man. 

Order  COLUMB^E.     Pigeons. 

Family   COLUMBID^.    Pigeons. 

Genus    ECTOPISTES    Swainson. 

138.  (315).      Ectopistes    migratorius      (Linn.).     Passenger 
Pigeon. 

Formerly  an  abundant  migrant  throughout  the  state,  now  nearly 
extinct.  A  few  straggling  individuals  are  seen  semi-occasionally, 
but  the  great  flights  of  Pigeons  which  formerly  occurred  are  now 
things  of  the  past.  Mr.  C.  M.  Hoxie,  the  well  known  Foxcroft 
taxidermist,  writes  :  "Replying  to  your  favor  of  recent  date  in 
regard  to  the  Passenger  Pigeon,  I  will  say  that  one  was  shot  about 
one-half  mile  from  Dexter  by  a  Mr.  Frank  Rogers,  on  August  16th, 
1896.  It  was  evidently  a  stray  bird."  This  is  the  most  recent 
record  I  have  been  able  to  obtain  of  this  species  which  formerly 
was  abundant  and  bred  in  favored  localities. 


BIRDS    OF    MAINE.  57 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "rare  migrant"  (Johnson)  ;  Cumber- 
land, "none  in  ten  years"  (Mead)  ;  Franklin,  "rare  migrant"  (Richards)  ; 
Hancock,  "I  am  informed  by  old  hunters  that  this  species  formerly 
occurred  abundantly  in  this  county,  and  also  that  they  nested  in  great 
numbers,  none  have  been  seen  for  ten  years"  (Knight) ;  Kennebec,  (given 
in  Ilamlin's  List  of  the  Birds  of  Waterville,  Report  of  the  Secretary  of 
Maine  Board  of  Agriculture  for  1865,  pp.  168-173)  ;  Knox,  "rare  in  sum- 
m«-r"  (Rncklift) ;  Oxford,  "rare  migrant,  specimens  observed  by  different 
persons  in  the  fall  of  1891"  (Johnson)  ;  Penobscot,  "formerly  abundant, 
no  records  of  late"  (Knight) ;  Piscataquis,  "rare,  last  seen  in  1884" 
(Homer)  ;  Washington,  "not  uncommon  formerly,  all  gone  now"  (Board- 
man)  ;  York,  "last  seen  in  September,  1885"  (Adams). 

Genus  ZENAIDURA  Bonaparte. 

139.     (316).     Zenaidura  macroura  (Linn.).     Mourning  Dove. 

A  very  rare  summer  resident  of  the  southern  counties  of  the 
state,  but  there  are,  to  my  knowledge,  no  records  of  the  species 
having  been  observed  nesting  within  our  limits. 

County  Records. — Androscoggiu,  (Pike) ;  Cumberland,  "probably  a 
rare  summer  resident''  (Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  23);  Knox, 
"rare  in  summer"  (Racklift)  ;  Penobscot,  "it  has  occurred  on  the  Maine 
State  College  campus  in  late  summer"  (Prof.  F.  L.  Harvey) ;  Sagadahoc, 
"scattering,  spring  and  fall*'  (Spinney) ;  Washington,  "accidental" 
(Boardmau). 


Order  RAFFORES.     Birds  of  Prey. 

Suborder  SACORHAMPHI.     American  Vultures. 

Family  CATHARTIDyE.     American  Vultures. 

Genus  CATHARTES  Illiger. 

140.      (325).     Cathartes  aura  (Linn.).     Turkey  Vulture. 
An  accidental  visitor  to  the  state,  of  which  four  specimens  have 
been  taken. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "one  at  Standish  in  summer  of  1874'* 
(Smith,  Forest  and  Stream,  Vol.  20,  p.  26)  :  Oxford,  "one  at  East  Frye- 
burg"  (R.  A.  Gushee,  Forest  and  Stream  for  1883,  p.  245)  ;  Penobscot, 
"one  seen  near  Baugor,  at  Whitney's  Hill,  he  sat  a  long  time  with  his 
wings  stretched  up  above  his  head,  as  the  Eagle  is  represented  on  the 
"buzzard  dollar" ;  I  have  seen  hundreds  of  them  so  there  is  not  a  shade 
of  doubt  as  to  the  identity"  (Hardy)  ;  Washington,  "very  rare,  one  speci- 
men" (Boardman)  ;  York,  "one  killed  in  Buxton,  in  December,  1876" 
(Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  23). 


58  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

Genus  CATH ARISTA  Vieillot. 

141.  (326).     Catharista  atrata  (Bartr.).     Black  Vulture. 
This,  like  the  preceding,  occurs  as  an  accidental  visitor  from  the 

south. 

County  Records. — Oxford,  "one  at  East  Fryeburg"  (Smith,  Forest  and 
Stream,  Vol.  20,  p.  285)  ;  Washington,  "not  uncommon  some  seasons" 
(Boardman)  ;  "Eastport"  (Of.  Deane,  Bull.  STutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  5,  p.  63)  ; 
"Calais"  (Cf.  Brewster,  Auk,  Vol.  10,  p.  82). 

Suborder    FALCONES,    Vultures,    Falcons,    Hawks,    Buzzards, 
Eagles,  Kites,  Harriers,  etc. 

Family  FALCONID^E.     Vultures,  Falcons,  Hawks,  Eagles,  etc. 
Subfamily  ACCIPITRIN^.     Kites,  Buzzards,  Hawks,  Goshawks, 

Eagles,  etc. 
Genus  CIRCUS  Lace"pede. 

142.  (331).     Circus  hudsonius  (Linn.).     Marsh  Hawk. 

A  common  summer  resident  of  marshes  and  meadows.  The  nest 
is  placed  on  the  ground  in  such  localities.  The  birds  are  common 
everywhere  during  the  migrations,  but  during  the  breeding  season 
they  are  only  to  be  sought  for  near  their  favorite  meadow  or  marsh. 
They  will  often  return  to  the  same  locality  for  many  successive 
seasons. 

County  Records. — Audroscoggin,  "common  summer  resident"  (John- 
son) ;  Aroostook,  "seen  at  Houltou  and  Fort  Fail-field"  (Batchelder, 
Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  50) ;  Cumberland,  "common  summer 
resident"  (Mead)  ;  Franklin,  "common  summer  resident"  (Swain)  ;  Han- 
cock, "summer  resident"  (Dorr)  ;  Kennebec,  "rare"  (Gardiner  Branch)  ; 
Kuox,  "summer"  (Rackliff ) ;  Oxford,  "breeds  commonly"  (Nash) ; 
Penobscot,  "quite  common  summer  resident"  (Knight) ;  Piscataquis, 
"common,  breeds"  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  summer  resident" 
(Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "common  migrant,  rare  summer  resident"  (Mor- 
rell)  ;  Washington,  "abundant, summer  resident"  (Boardman) ;  Waldo, 
(Spratt)  ;  York,  "breeds"  (Adams). 

Genus  ACCIPITER  Brisson. 
Subgenus    ACCIPITER. 

143.  (332).     Accipiter  velox  -(Wils.).     Sharp-shinned  Hawk. 
A  common  summer  resident  throughout  the  state,  but  owing   to 

the  difficulty  of  finding  the  nests,  which  are  usually  placed  in  ever- 


BIRDS    OF    MAINE.  59 

green  trees,  the  eggs  of  this  species  continue  to  be  objects  of  desid- 
erutn  to  collectors. 

County  Records. — Androscoggiu,  "common  summer  resident"  (John- 
sou)  ;  Aroostook,  "Houlton,  not  common"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Xutt.  Orti. 
Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  151)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  summer  resident"  (Mead)  ; 
Franklin,  "common  summer  resident"  (Swain) ;  Hancock,  "summer 
resident"  (Dorr)  ;  Kenuebec,  "rare"  (Gardiner  Branch) ;  Knox,  "sum- 
mer" (Raekliir) ;  Oxford,  "breeds  commonly"  (Nash);  Penobscot, 
"breeds  quite  commonly"  (Knight);  Piscataquis,  "common,  breeds" 
(Homer)  :  Sagadahoc,  "common  spring  and  fall"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset, 
"not  common  summer  resident"  (Morrell),  "saw  a  flock  of  over  a  hun- 
dred migrating  at  Jackmau,  in  August,  1895"  (Harvey  and  Knight) ; 
Waldo,  "breeds  quite  commonly"  (Knight) ;  Washington,  "abundant 
summer  resident"  (Boardmau)  ;  York,  (Adams). 

144.  (333).     Accipiter  cooperii  (Bonap.).     Cooper's  Hawk. 

Of  quite  general  occurrence  as  a  summer  resident  throughout 
the  state,  but  at  the  same  time  the  species  is  by  no  means  to  be 
called  common. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "common  summer  resident"  (John- 
son) ;  Cumberland,  "rare"  (Mead)  ;  Franklin,  "common  summer  resi- 
dent" (Swain)  ;  Hancock,  "summer  resident"  (Dorr)  ;  Kennebec,  "rare" 
(Gardiner  Branch)  ;  Knox,  (Rackliff) ;  Oxford,  "summer  resident"  (John- 
son) ;  Penobscot,  "seemingly  quite  a  rare  summer  resident"  (Knight)  ; 
Piscataquis,  "not  uncommon"  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  migrant" 
(Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "rare  summer  resident''  (Morrell)  ;  Washington, 
"not  common,  one  of  our  rarest  Hawks"  (Boardman)  ;  York,  (Adams). 

Subgenus  ASTUR  Lace*pede. 

145.  (334).     Accipiter  atricapillus    (Wils.).     American   Gos- 
hawk. 

Occurs  commonly  as  a  winter  resident  throughout  the  state,  and 
less  commonly  as  a  resident  of  the  portions  within  the  Canadian 
fauna. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "common  migrant''  (Johnson)  ;  Cum- 
berland, "common,  have  taken  its  eggs  here"  (Mead),  "uncommon  Octo- 
ber to  May"  (Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  22)  ;  Franklin,  "rare 
summer  resident"  (Swain)  ;  Hancock,  "winter  resident"  (Dorr)  ;  Kenne- 
bec, (Gardiner  Branch);  Knox,  ikwiuter"  (Rackliff);  Oxford,  "breeds 
rarely"  (Xash) ;  Peuobscot,  "common  winter  and  quite  rare  summer  resi- 
dent, has  been  known  to  breed  in  several  instances"  (Knight)  ;  Piscata- 
quis, "common  resident"  (Homer) ;  Sagadahoc,  "scattering,  fall  and 
spring"  tSpiuney);  Somerset,  "rare  visitant"  (Morrell) ;  Washington, 
"not  uncommon,  breeds"  (Boardman)  ;  York,  (Adams). 


60  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

Genus  BUTEO  Cuvier. 

146.  (337).     Buteo  borealis  (GmeL).     Red- tailed  Hawk. 

Of  quite  general  occurrence  throughout  the  state  in  spring,  sum- 
mer, and  autumn.  A  few  are  said  to  remain  in  the  southern  coun- 
ties through  the  winter,  but  the  majority  retire  southwards  at  the 
approach  of  cold  weather. 

County  Kecords. — Androscoggin,  "rare  summer  resident,  common 
migrant"  (Johnson) ;  Aroostook,  "common  at  Houlton"  (Batehelder, 
Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  151)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  resident'* 
(Mead) ;  Franklin,  "common  summer  resident"  (Swain) ;  Hancock, 
"summer  resident"  (Dorr)  ;  Kenuebec,  "rare"  (Gardiner  Branch)  ;  Knox, 
"migrant''  (Rackliff )  ;  Oxford,  "breeds"  (Nash)  ;  Peuobscot,  "a  not 
uncommon  summer  resident"  (Knight)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "scattering,  fall, 
winter,  and  spring"  (Spinney)  ;  Waldo,  "summer  resident"  (Spratt)  ; 
Washington,  "not  uncommon  summer  resident,  (Boardman) ;  York, 
(Adams). 

147.  (339).     Buteo  lineatus  (GmeL).     Red-shouldered  Hawk. 
This  species  is  a  fairly  common  summer  resident,  through  most 

parts  of  the  state.     It  has  not  been  reported  as  wintering  here. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "common  summer  resident"  (John- 
son") ;  Cumberland,  "common  summer  resident"  (Mead) ;  Franklin, 
"common  summer  resident"  (Swain) ;  Hancock,  "summer  resident" 
(Dorr);  Kennebec,  "common"  (Powers);  Knox,  "migrant"  (Rackliff); 
Oxford,  "breeds  rarely"  (Nash  i ;  Peuobscot,  "a  not  uncommon  summer 
resident"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "rare"  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "common 
migrant  spring  and  fall"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "common  summer  resi- 
dent" (Morrell;)  Waldo,  CSpratt)  ;  Washington,  "not  uncommon  summer 
resident"  (Boardman);  York,  "breeds"  (Adams  . 

Subgenus  TACHYTRIORCHIS  Kaup. 

148.  (342).     Buteo  swainsoni  Bonap.     Swainson's  Hawk. 
An  accidental  visitor  from  the  west,  of  which  a  number  of  speci- 
mens have  been  taken,  all  being  melanistic. 

County  Records.— Hancock,  "one  taken  at  Gouldsborough  September 
15,  1886"  (Cf.  Brewster,  Auk,  Vol.  5,  p.  424)  ;  Penobscot,  "one  at  Glen- 
burn,  May  19,  1888"  (Cf.  Brewster,  Ibid,  Vol.  5,  p.  424),  "have  seen  at 
least  two  taken  here,  both  melanistic"  (Hardy)  ;  Washington,  "taken  at 
Calais,  about  October  8,  1892"  (Cf.  Brewster,  Auk,  Vol.  10,  p.  82). 

149.  (343).     Buteo  latissimus  (  Wils.).     Broad- winged  Hawk. 
A  quite  common  summer  resident  in  most  portions  of  the  state. 


BIRDS    OF    MAINE.  61 

It  arrives  from  the  south  early  in  April,  and   the  eggs   are  usually 
deposited  by  the  second  or  third  week  of  May. 

<  diinty  Records. — Audroscoggin,  "fairly  common  summer  n-sid«'tit" 
(Johnson);  Aroostook,  "breeding  at  Houlton"  (Cf.  Batcht-Ider,  Bull. 
Xutt.  Orn.  Club.  Vol.  7,  p.  151);  Cumberland,  "common  summer  resi- 
dent" (Mead)  ;  Franklin,  "rare  summer  resident"  (Swain) ;  Hauo.rk. 
"summer  resident"  (Dorr)  ;  Kennehec,  Royal)  ;  Knox,  "migrant"  (Hack- 
liff ) ;  Oxford,  "breeds  commonly"  (Sash);  I'euobscot,  "breeds  quite 
commonly,  and  is  apparently  the  commonest  of  our  larger  Ha\\k<" 
(Knight);  Piseataquis,  "common,  breeds"  (Homer);  BagMlahoc,  "com- 
mon spring  and  fall"  (Spinney);  Somerset,  "not  common  summer  resi- 
dent" (Morrell) ;  Waldo,  (Spratt) ;  Washington,  "abundant  SUIIUIUM- 
resident"  i  Boardmau) ;  York.  (Adams  . 

Genus  ARCHIBUTEO  Brehm. 

150.  (347  a).     Archibuteo  lagopus   sancti-johannis   (Gmel.). 
American  Rough-legged  Hawk. 

This  species  is  of  quite  common  occurrence  as  a  winter  visitor 
from  the  north.  It  does  not  breed  in  the  state,  all  previous  records 
stating  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding.  In  Bendire's  Life  His- 
tories of  North  American  Birds  he  states  that  it  is  not  known  to 
breed  in  the  United  States,  save  in  Alaska. 

County  Records. — Audroscoggiu,  "fairly  common  winter  resident" 
(Johnson)  ;  Cumberland,  "rare  winter  visitant"  (Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of 
Portland,  p.  22  ;  Franklin,  "rare"  (Richards);  Knox,  "winter"  (Hai-k- 
lift)  Oxford,  "common  at  Xorway  in  winter"  (VerriU's  List  of  the  Birds 
of  Xorway,  Proc.  Essex  Institute,  Vol.  3,  pp.  136  et  seq.  ;  Penobscot, 
"rare  winter  visitor"  (Knight) ;  Piscataquis,  "rare"  (Homer)  ;  Sagada- 
hoc,  "a  few  in  fall  and  early  winter"  (Spinney)  ;  Washington,  "very  rare 
winter  resident"  (Boardmau). 

Genus  AQUILA  Brisson. 

151.  (349).     Aquila  chrysaetos  (Linn.).     Golden  Eagle. 

Occasionally  observed  and  taken  here,  but  at  present  the  evi- 
dence points  to  its  occurrence  only  as  a  straggler.  While  it  has 
been  observed  here  in  summer  under  circumstances  that  would  hint 
that  it  might  possibly  nest  in  the  wild,  mountainous  parts  of  the 
state,  there  has  unfortunately  been  no  positive  proof  brought  forth 
to  substantiate  this  belief.  AVhile  at  Jackman,  in  August,  1895, 
Prof.  F.  L.  Harvey  and  myself  saw  what  we  are  positive  was  one 
of  these  birds  on  Sandy  Bay  Mountain.  This  bird  was  seemingly 


62  BIKDS    OF    MAINE. 

uneasy  at  our  presence  and  flew  very  near  us  uttering  its  shrill  cry. 
The  cry  was  answered  from  a  steep  cliff  on  the  side  of  the  moun- 
tain, so  the  bird  either  had  a  mate  or  young  in  the  immediate 
vicinity.  While  the  bird  repeatedly  approached  near  enough  to  us 
to  render  us  certain  in  our  own  minds  of  its  identity,  we  unfortu- 
nately had  no  gun  with  us,  and  so  could  not  secure  the  bird  to 
render  its  identity  absolutely  certain,  as  is  demanded  by  modern 
science.  Again,  not  seeing  the  bird  which  answered  its  cries  we 
cannot  state  whether  it  was  a  mate  to  the  one  we  saw  or  its  young. 
In  this  connection  see  Knight,  The  Auk,  Vol.  13,  p.  82. 

County  Records. — Androscoggiu,  (Pike)  ;  Cumberland,  "taken  at  Peak's 
Island"  (Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  22),  "specimens  are  also 
recorded  by  Dr.  Brock"  (Cf.  Brock,  Auk,  Vol.  13,  p.  256)  ;  Franklin, 
"rare"  (Richards)  ;  Somerset,  "while  positive  that  we  saw  one  at  Sandy 
Bay  Mountain,  in  August,  1895,  the  specimen  was  not  killed  so  as  to 
establish  a  record  beyond  doubt"  (Harvey  and  Knight);  Washington, 
"very  rare,  shot  in  summer"  (Boardman). 

Genus  HALI^EETUS  Savigny. 

152.  (352).     Haliseetus  leucocephalus  (Linn.).     Bald  Eagle. 
Resident  throughout  the  year  along  the  coast,  where  it  is   fairly 

common.  It  is  also  quite  common  as  a  summer  resident  through- 
out the  interior,  where  it  frequents  the  vicinity  of  ponds  and  lakes. 
County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "fairly  common  summer  resident" 
(Johnson)  ;  Aroostook,  "not  common  at  Houlton"  (Batchelder,  Bull. 
Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  151) ;  Cumberland,  "summer  resident" 
(Mead) ;  Franklin,  "rare  summer  resident"  (Swain) ;  Hancock,  "resi- 
dent along  the  coast,  often  seen  about  Isle  au  Haut,  breeds"  (Knight) ; 
"Kennebec,  very  rare"  (Powers)  ;  Knox,  "resident"  (Rackliif)  ;  Oxford, 
"breeds  rarely"  (Nash)  ;  Penobscot,  "a  pair  nest  near  Pushaw  Pond 
every  year,  and  they  are  of  quite  common  occurrence  in  the  vicinity  of 
ponds  and  lakes  throughout  the  county"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "not 
uncommon,  breeds"  (Homer);  Sagadahoc,  "common  and  breeds"  (Spin- 
ney) ;  Somerset,  "occasional  visitant"  (Morrell)  ;  Waldo,  "rare"  (Spratt  ; 
Washington,  "common,  breeds"  (Boardman). 

Subfamily   FALCONING.     Falcons. 

Genus  FALCO  Linnaeus. 
Subgeuus  HIEROFALCO  Cuvier. 

153.  (353).     Falco  islandus  Briinn.     White  Gyrfalcon. 

An  accidental  winter  visitor  from  the  north,  there  is  but  one  state 
record  of  its  occurrence.  This  specimen  is  recorded  by  Mr.  Brew- 


BIRDS    OF    MAINE.  63 

ster,  who  says:  "Not  long  since  Mr.  George  A.  Boardman  wrote 
me  that  he  had  heard  of  the  capture,  in  eastern  Maine,  of  a  very 
light-colored  Gyrfalcou.  Upon  my  expressing  a  lively  interest  in 
the  matter  he  very  kindly  put  me  in  correspondence  with  Mr.  John 
Clayton  of  Lincoln,  Maine,  who  mounted  the  specimen,  and  from 
whom  I  have  just  purchased  it.  Although  too  dark-colored  to  be 
typical  of  that  form  it  is,  nevertheless,  an  unmistakable  example 
of  F.  i*lan(ln*i  Briton.  It  was  shot  in  South  Wiiin,  about  October 
8,  1893,  by  a  young  man  named  Wymun,  who  found  it  perched  on 
a  telegraph  pole."  (Cf.  Brewster,  The  Auk,  Vol.  12,  p.  180). 
This  Peuobscot  County  specimen  is  unique  in  Maine,  and  even  the 
United  States,  as  is  in  fact  stated  by  Mr.  Brewster  in  the  article 
above  quoted. 

154.  (354).     Falco  rusticolus  Linn.     Gray  Gyrfalcon. 

A  specimen  taken  at  Cape  Elizabeth,  October,  13th,  1877,  and 
recorded  by  Mr.  Brown  under  the  name  of  Hierofalco  gyrf&lco 
islandicus,  is  the  only  New  England  example  of  this  bird  known  to 
exist.  It  is  at  present  in  the  collection  of  Prof.  J.  Y.  Stauton  of 
Lewiston.  The  record  will  be  found  in  Brown's  Catalogue  of  the 
Birds  of  Portland,  p.  21.  In  Minot's  Laud  and  Game  Birds  of 
New  England,  2nd  edition,  page  479,  Mr.  Brewster  in  speaking 
of  this  specimen  says  :  "I  have  not  yet  seen  it,  but  if  it  has  been 
correctly  identified  it  is  the  only  New  England  example  of 
i-nxHwlus  of  which  I  have  any  present  knowledge."  Mr.  Boardman 
writes  me  that  he  has  at  least  two  specimens  of  this  bird,  but 
unfortunately  they  were  both  taken  on  Canadian  soil,  and  though 
taken  near  our  boundary  they  are  not  Maine  specimens. 

155.  (354a).     Falco  rusticolus  gyrfalco  (Linn.).     Gyrfalcon. 
But  one  instance  of   its  occurrence  in  the  state  is  known  to  me. 

A  specimen  is  recorded  under  the  name  of  Falco  gyrjalco  sacer 
(Forst.)  as  being  taken  at  Ktaadn  Iron  Works,  Piscataquis  County, 
December,  1876.  (Cf.  Purdie,  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  4,  p. 
188).  After  correspondence  with  Mr.  Purdie  who  is  positive  of 
the  correctness  of  his  identification,  I  have  added  the  species  to 
our  list  as  a  casual  winter  visitor. 

156.  (354b).     Falco     rusticolus    obsoletus     (GmeL).     Black 
Gyrfalcon. 

Like  others  of  its  near  relatives  it  ranks  as  a  rare  winter  visitor, 
though  more  abundant  than  the  other  Gyrfalcons. 


64  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "Mr.  E.  P.  Carman  of  Bridgton  has  a 
specimen  which  was  shot  between  Cape  Elizabeth  and  Lewiston  about 
the  middle  of  September,  1887"'  (information  regarding  this  received 
from  Prof.  Stanton  and  Mr.  Mead,  the  latter  having  kindly  obtained 
the  complete  particulars  regarding  it)  ;  Kuox,  "one  is  recorded  by  Mr. 
Brewster  as  being  taken  near  Rocklaud  in  November,  1836"  (Cf.  Bre xy- 
ster, The  Auk,  Vol.  4.  p.  75),  and  as  Mr.  Rackliff  of  Spruce  Head  took 
a  Gyrfalcon  on  the  day  before  Thanksgiving  at  about  that  year,  and 
sent  it  to  F.  B.  Webster  of  whom  Mr.  B.  secured  his  bird,  it  would  seem 
assured  that  these  birds  are  one  and  the  same";  "in  a  recent  letter 
from  Mr.  Brewster  he  informs  me  that  he  has  another  of  these  birds 
secured  at  Eagla  Island,  about  March  22,  1888"  (Cf .  Brewster,  Mitiot's 
Land  and  Game  Birds  of  New  England,  2nd  Ed.,  p.  480,  for  the  record  of 
this  specimen)  ;  Oxford,  "one  shot  in  1892  or  1893"  (Nash  ;  Washington, 
•"winter  visitant,  three  specimens"  (Boardmau). 

Subgenus  RHYNCHODON  Nitzsch. 

157.  (356).    Falco  peregrinus  anatum  (Bonap.).  Duck  Hawk. 

A  quite  rare  summer  resident  of  the  isolated  mountainous  por- 
tions of  the  state  and  there  found  breeding.  In  migrations  it  is 
somewhat  commoner,  though  still  quite  rare.  It  is  quite  likely  to 
be  found  in  winter  in  the  southern  parts  of  the  state  although  not 
yet  so  reported. 

County  Records. — Audroscoggin,  (Pike)  ;  Cumberland,  "very  rare 
transient"  (Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  21) ;  Oxford,  "rare, 
breeds"  (Nash)  ;  Penobscot,  "quite  rare,  may  possibly  breed"  (Knight)  ; 
Washington,  not  uncommon,  breeds"  (Boardman)." 

Subgenus  ^ESALON  Kaup. 

158.  (357).     Falco  columbarius  Linn.     Pigeon  Hawk. 

Quite  common  everywhere  in  migrations,  and  a  rare  summer  resi- 
dent within  the  Canadian  fauna.  While  the  species  occurs  in  sum- 
mer I  have  not  been  able  to  ascertain  that  any  nests  or  eggs  have 
been  found  within  our  boundaries. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "summer"  (Johnson);  Cumberland, 
•"not  common"  (Mead)  ;  Franklin,  "rare  summer  resident,  a  specimen 
was  shot  here  in  June"  (Swraiu)  ;  Kenuebec,  "rare"  (Gardiner  Branch)  ; 
Knox,  "migrant"  (Rackliff) ;  Oxford,  "rare  summer  resident"  (Nash)  ; 
Penobscot,  "common  in  spring  and  fall"  (Knight) ;  Piscataquis,  "not 
uncommon"  (Homer)  ;  Washington,  k%uot  uncommon  summer  resident'" 
(Boardman);  York,  (Adams). 


BIRDS    OK     MAIM  .  65 

Subgenus  TINNUNCULUS  Vieillot. 

159.  (360).     Falco  sparverius  Linn.  American  Sparrow  Hawk. 
Of  quite  general  distribution  as  a  summer  resident  throughout 

the  interior  of  the  state,  but  seemingly  commonest  during  the 
migrations.  It  is  not  characteristic  of  any  one  faunal  region,  being 
found  breeding  from  Florida  to  Hudson  I  lay. 

County  Records. — Androscoggiu,  "fairly  common  summer  resident'' 
(Johusou) ;  Aroostook,  "seen  at  Fort  Fairfield"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Xutt. 
Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  15)  ;  Cumberland,  "rare"  (Mead),  "have  informa- 
ion  of  its  breeding  in  Windham"  (Norton);  Franklin,  "summer  resi- 
dent" (Richards) ;  Hancock,  "summer  resident"  (Murch)  ;  Keunebec, 
"rare"  (Gardiner  Branch);  Knox,  "migrant"  (Racklift)  ;  Oxford,  "com- 
mon, breeds"  (  Nash) ;  Penobscot,  "quite  common  in  migration,  the  eggs 
have  been  taken  near  Bangor"  (Knight);  Piscataquis,  "common,  breeds" 
(Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  spring  and  fall"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset, 
"not  common  summer  resident"  (Morrell)  ;  Washington,  "not  uncommon 
summer  resident"  (Boardman)  ;  York,  (Adams). 

Subfamily  PANDIONINJE.     Ospreys. 
Genus  PANDION  Savigny. 

160.  (364).     Pandion  haliaetus  caroliuensis  (Gmel.).     Ameri- 
can Osprey. 

The  Fish  Hawk  is  a  common  summer  resident  along  the  coast, 
and  also  quite  common  about  the  ponds  and  lakes  of  the  interior. 
On  the  coast  the  nests  are  usually  placed  low  down  in  the  stunted 
trees  that  grow  on  the  islands,  and  in  many  cases  the  ground  itself 
serves  as  foundation.  I  have  seen  at  least  six  nests  placed  thus, 
usually  being  situated  on  some  rocky  point  of  an  island.  The  nests 
in  trees,  while  usually  near  the  shore  of  the  islands,  are  quite  often 
placed  some  distance  inland.  In  such  localities  the  birds  are  some- 
what social,  and  two  or  three  nests  are  often  placed  within  a  radius 
of  one  hundred  yards.  About  the  interior  ponds  and  lakes  the 
birds  are  not  so  social,  it  being  unusual  to  notice  more  than  one 
pair  of  birds  about  a  given  body  of  water.  They  are  also  more 
wary  in  their  selection  of  a  nesting  site,  invariably  choosing  the 
tallest  tree  in  the  vicinity. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "common"  (Johnson  ;  Cumberland, 
"common  summer  resident"  (Mead) ;  Franklin,  "rare  summer  resident" 
(Swain)  :  Hancock,  "very  common  summer  resident"  (Knight)  ;  Kenne- 

5 


66  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

bee,  "rare"  (Royal) ;  Knox,  "summer"  (Baekliff ) ;  Oxford,  "breeds 
rarely"  (Nash)  ;  Penobscot,  "fairly  common  summer  resident,  middle  of 
April  to  September"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "not  uncommon,  breeds" 
(Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  summer  resident''  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset, 
"common,  probably  summer  resident"  (Morrell) ;  Waldo,  "common 
summer  resident"  (Knight)  ;  Washington,  "abundant  summer  resident" 
(Boardman)  ;  York,  (Adams). 

Suborder  STRIGES  Owls. 

Family  BUBONIDJE.     Horned  Owls,  etc. 

Genus  ASIO  Brisson. 

161.  (366).     Asio   wilsonianus    (Less.).      American    Long- 
eared  Owl. 

A  resident  throughout  the  state,  but  still  seemingly  more  numerous 
in  fall  than  at  other  times.  Perhaps  this  reported  greater  abundance 
in  fall  is  due  to  the  fact  that  people  seek  the  haunts  of  this  bird  to 
hunt  at  this  season,  and  consequently  the  birds  are  more  likely  to 
come  under  observation. 

County  Records. — Androscoggiu,  "fairly  common  resident"  (Johnson) ; 
Cumberland,  "not  rare"  (Mead)  ;  Franklin,  "common  resident"  (Rich- 
ards ;  Hancock,  "resident"  (Dorr) ;  Kennebec,  "given  in  Hamlin's  List 
of  the  Birds  of  Waterville"  (See  Report  of  Sec'y  Me.  Board  of  Agriculture, 
1865,  pp.  168-173)  ;  Knox,  "migrant"  (Rackliff ) ;  Oxford,  "breeds  rarely'' 
(Nash)  ;  Penobscot,  "somewhat  rare,  oftenest  seen  in  fall"  (Knight)  ; 
Piscataquis,  "not  uncommon,  breeds"  (Homer;  ;  Sagadahoc,  "common 
spring  and  fall"  (Spinney) ;  Washington,  "not  uncommon  resident" 
(Boardman). 

162.  (367).     Asio  accipitrinus  (Pall.).     Short-eared  Owl. 
Resident  in  limited  numbers,  but  oftenest    occurring    in    fall    or 

spring  when  it  is  common,  especially  along  the  coast,  where  it  fre- 
quents the  grassy  salt  marshes. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "fairly  common  resident"  (Johnson)  ; 
Cumberland,  "moderately  common  resident"  (Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of 
Portland,  p.  20)  ;  Franklin,  "rare  resident"  (Richards)  ;  Hancock,  "resi- 
dent" (Dorr)  ;  Knox,  "migrant"  (Rackliff) ;  Oxford,  "rare"  (Nash) ; 
Penobscot,  "of  rare  occurrence  in  the  fall"  (Knight)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "com- 
mon spring  and  fall"  (Spinney)  ;  Washington,  "not  uncommon  resident" 
(Boardmau)  ;  York,  (Butters). 

Genus  SYRNIUM  Savigny. 

163.  (368).     Syrnium  nebulosum  (Forst.).     Barred  Owl. 
This  is  the  commonest  of  our  larger   Owls,    being    resident    In 

wooded  districts  throughout  the  state.  Like  our  other  species  it  is 
most  frequently  observed  in  fall  and  winter. 


BIRDS    OF    MAINK.  67 

County  Records. — Androscoggiu,  "fairly  common  resident'"  (Johnson)  ; 
Aroostook,  "occurs  at  Fort  Fairfield  and  Houlton"  (Batchelder,  Bull. 
Xmt.  Orn.  club,  Vol.  7,  p.  50)  ;  Cumberland,  "resident,  rare  in  sum- 
mer" (Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  20) ;  Franklin,  "common 
resident"  (Richards)  ;  Hancock,  "common  resident"  (Dorr)  ;  Kennebec, 
"common"  (Powers) ;  Knox,  ••winti-r"  Kacklin".)  ;  Oxford,  "breeds  com- 
monly" (Xash) ;  Penobscot,  "resident,  commonest  iu  fall"  (Knight) ; 
I'Nc.'itaquis,  "abundant,  breeds"  Homer  ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  spring 
and  fall"  (Spinney) ;  Somerset,  "not  common  resident"  (Morrell) ; 
Washington,  "abundant  resident"  (Boardman). 


Genus  SCOTIAPTEX  Swainson. 

164.  (870).     Scotiaptex  cinerea  ( Gmel. ) .      Great  Gray  Owl. 
An  irregular  winter  visitor  from  the  north.     It    does    not   occur 

some  seasons,  and  again  it  may  be  found  fairly  common  at  others, 
but  still,  even  when  at  its  greatest  abundance,  it  is  a  comparatively 
rare  bird. 

County  Records. — Audroscoggin,  (Pike)  ;  Cumberland,  "six  specimens 
known  additional  to  those  recorded  iu  Smith's  List"  (record  from  E. 
Smith) ;  Franklin, "very  rare"  (Swain)  ;  Hancock,  "rare"  (Dorr)  ;  Ken- 
nebec, "one  at  Augusta  in  December,  1887"  (E.  Smith)  ;  Knox,  "winter" 
(Racklift)  ;  Oxford,  "rare  visitant"  (Nash)  ;  Penobscot,  "Mr.  S.  L.  Crosby 
informs  me  that  these  birds  were  quite  common  here  one  winter  iu  the 
early  '90V  (Knight);  Piscataquis,  "rare  winter  .visitor"  (Homer); 
Washington,  "rare,  winter  only"  (Boardman) ;  York,  "one  taken  at  Bid- 
drfonl.  March  2d,  1890"  (E.  Smith). 

Genus  NYCTALA  Brehm. 

165.  (371).     Nyctala  tengmalmi  richardsoni  (Bonap.).    Rich- 
ardson's Owl. 

A  somewhat  irregular  winter  visitor,  but  still  often  not  uncommon 
locally  at  this  season. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "fairly  common  winter  visitant" 
(Johnson)  ;  Cumberland,  "rare"  (Mead)  ;  Franklin,  "rare  winter  resi- 
dent" (Swain);  Hancock,  "rare"  (Dorr)  :  Kennebec,  "very  rare"  (Dill); 
Knox,  "rare  in  winter"  (Racklift)  ;  Lincoln,  "taken  at  Waldoborough" 
(Smith,  Forest  and  Stream,  Vol.  20,  p.  285)  ;  Oxford,  "rare"  (Nash)  ; 
Penobscot,  "a  quite  rare  and  irregular  winter  visitor"  (Knight) ;  Piscat- 
aquis, "rare  winter  visitor"  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "taken  at  Bath"  (C. 
H  Greenleaf  to  E.  Smith)  ;  Washington,  "not  uncommon  in  winter" 
(Boardmau). 


68  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

166.  (372).     Nyctala  acadica  (Gmel.}.     Saw-whet  Owl. 
Resident  throughout  the  state,  but  on  account  of  its  frequenting 

somewhat  low  swampy  woods  in  summer  it  is  less  often  noticed  at 
this  season.  In  fall  and  winter  it  is  quite  common.  The  nests 
and  eggs  seem  to  have  been  taken  more  often  in  Franklin  County 
than  in  any  other  part  of  the  state.  It  is  known  to  many  as  the 
Acadian  Owl. 

County  Records.— Androscoggin,  "rare  resident"  (Johnson) ;  Aroos- 
took,  "common  at  Fort  Fairfield  and  Houlton"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Nutt. 
Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  150)  ;  Cumberland,  "common"  (Mead)  ;  Franklin, 
"common  resident"  (Richards) ;  Kennebec,  "rare"  (Gardiner  Branch) ; 
Knox,  "resident"  (Rackliff)  ;  Oxford,  "breeds"  (Nash)  ;  Penobscot,  "I 
have  observed  it  only  in  fall  and  winter,  but  am  of  the  opinion  that  it 
must  occur  in  summer  also"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "common  resident, 
breeds"  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc  ,  "spring,  fall  and  winter"  (Spinney)  ; 
Somerset,  "resident"  (Morrell) ;  Waldo,  (Spratt) ;  Washington,  "com- 
mon resident"  (Boardman)  ;  York,  "breeds"  (Adams). 

Genus  MEGASCOPS  Kaup. 

167.  (373).     Megascops  asio  (Linn.).     Screech  Owl. 

A  rare  resident  of  those  counties  in  the  Canadian  fauna,  some- 
what commoner  in  those  6f  the  Alleghanian. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "common  resident"  (Johnson) ; 
Cumberland,  "rare""  (Mead) ;  Franklin,  "rare  resident"  (Richards) ; 
Hancock,  "rare  resident"  (Dorr) ;  Kennebec,  "very  rare"  (Gardiner 
Branch)  ;  Knox,  "migrant"  (Rackliflf)  ;  Oxford,  "breeds"  (Nash) ;  Penob- 
scot, "rare"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "rare"  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "one 
specimen  in  late  fall"  (Spinney) ;  Somerset,  "resident"  (Morrell) ; 
Waldo,  (Spratt)  ;  Washington,  "very  rare"  (Boardmau) ;  York,  "breeds" 
(Adams).  t 

Genus  BUBO  Dumeril. 

168.  (375).     Bubo  virginianus  ( Gmel. ) .     Great  Horned  Owl. 
A  common  resident  of  wooded  districts  throughout  the  state,  but 

like  others  of  this  Suborder  it  is  most  often  noticed  in  fall  and  win- 
ter. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "fairly  common  resident"  (John- 
son) ;  Aroostook,  "common  at  Houlton  and  Fqrt  Fairfield"  (Batchelder, 
Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  150) ;  Cumberland,  "common  resident" 
(Mead) ;  Franklin,  "common  resident"  (Swain) ;  Hancock,  "common 
resident"  (Dorr)  ;  Kennebec,  "rare"  (Gardiner  Branch)  ;  Knox,  "resi- 
dent" (Rackliff) ;  Oxford,  "breeds  commonly"  (Nash) ;  Penobscot, 


BIRDS    OF    MAINE.  69 

'•fairly  common  resident"  (Knight) ;  Piscataquis,  ucommon  resident" 
(Homer);  Sagadahoe,  "common,  nests"  (Spinney) ;  Somerset,  "not  com- 
mon resident"  (Morrell) ;  Waldo,  (Knight) ;  Washington,  "common 
resident"  (Boardman)  ;  York,  "breeds"  (Adams). 

169.  (375b).     Bubo  virginianus  arcticus    (Swains.).     Arctic 
Horned  Owl. 

A  specimen  of  this  subspecies  is  at  present  in  the  collection  of 
the  Portland  Society  of  Natural  History  where  I  have  recently  had 
the  pleasure  of  examining  it.  This  is  recorded  in  the  proceedings 
of  the  above  society  for  April  1st,  1897  by  Mr.  A.  H.  Norton  who 
writes  as  follows:  "The  collection  of  the  Portland  Society  of 
Natural  History  contains  an  Owl  strongly  characteristic  of  this 
subspecies  which  was  given  to  the  society  alive  by  Mr.  Sewall 
Cloudman,  December  6th,  1869.  The  only  locality  recorded  is 
Maine."  A  second  specimen  is  reported  to  me  by  Mr.  J.  Waldo 
Nash  of  Norway  who  writes  :  "I  mounted  an  Arctic  Horned  Owl 
in  1886  that  was  shot  in  Brownfield."  Its  occurrence  is  probably 
casual  or  accidental.  I  have  recently  seen  in  the  collection  of  Mr. 
Geo.  A.  Boardman  of  Calais  a  typical  example  of  this  subspecies 
which  was  taken  just  over  the  line  in  New  Brunswick. 

170.  (375c).      Bubo    virginianus    saturatus    Ridgw.      Dusky 
Horned  Owl. 

Admitted  to  the  list  upon  the  strength  of  a  specimen  in  the  col- 
lection of  the  Portland  Society  of  Natural  History,  recorded 
l»y  Mr.  A.  H.  Norton  who  writes:  "The  collection  contains  a 
Dusky  Horned  Owl  in  which  the  characteristics  of  the  race  are 
strongly  marked.  It  was  given  by  Dr.  Benjamin  F.  Fogg,  March 
12th,  1870,  when  it  was  recorded  as  a  fresh  specimen.  Though 
the  locality  is  recorded  as  Maine  there  are  reasons  for  the  belief 
that  this  and  the  specimen  of  arcticus  were  taken  near  Portland." 
(Cf.  Norton,  Proc.  Port.  Soc.  Nat.  Hist.,  Apr.  1st,  1897,  p.  103). 
I  have  recently  had  the  privilege  of  viewing  this  specimen  also  at 
the  Society's  rooms  in  Portland.  The  evidence  now  at  hand  leads 
me  to  believe  that  this  species  occurs  casually  in  the  state. 

Genus   NYCTEA    Stephens. 

171.  (376).     Nyctea  nyctea  (Linn.).     Snowy  Owl. 

A  regular  winter  visitor  to  the  state  and,  while  usually  rare,  it 
sporadically  occurs  in  comparative  abundance.  Although  of  very 


70  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

general  occurrence  throughout  the  state,  it  is  apt  to  be   found   in 
greater  numbers  along  the  coast. 

County  Records. — Androscoggiu,  "rare  winter  visitor"  (Johnson)  ; 
Cumberland,  "rare"  (Mead) ;  Franklin,  "rare  \\inter  visitor"  (Swain) 
Hancock,  "rare"  (Dorr) ;  Kennebec,  "very  rare"  (Powers) ;  Knox, 
"winter"  (Rackliff)  ;  Oxford,  "very  rare"  (Nash)  ;  Penobscot,  "rare, 
one  seen  in  January,  1895"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "rare  winter  visitor" 
(Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "irregularly  common  winter  visitor"  (Spinney)  ; 
Washington,  "uncertain,  some  winters  common"  (Boardman)  ;  York, 
(Adams). 

Genus  SURNIA  Dumeril. 

172.  (377a).       Surnia    ulula   caparoch    (Mull.).      American 
Hawk  Owl. 

Occurs  as  an  irregularly  common  winter  visitor  of  quite  general 
distribution. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "rare  winter  visitor"  (Johnson)  ; 
Aroostook,  "occurs  at  Houlton"  (Cf.  Brewer,  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club, 
Vol.  2,  p.  78)  ;  Cumberland,  "rare"  (Mead)  ;  Franklin,  "rare"  (Rich- 
ards) ;  Hancock,  "rare"  (Dorr) ;  Kennebec,  "very  rare"  (Royal)  ;  Knox, 
"migrant"  (Rackliff)  ;  Oxford,  "rare"  (Nash)  ;  Penobscot,  "quite  com- 
mon some  seasons  in  late  fall  and  winter"  (Knight) ;  Piscataquis,  "some 
winters  common"  (Homer) ;  Washington,  "some  winters  common" 
(Boardman). 

Order  COCCYGES.     Cuckoos,  etc. 

Suborder  CUCULI.     Cuckoos,  etc. 

Family  CUCULID^E.     Cuckoos,  Auis,  etc. 

Subfamily  COCCYGIN^E.     American  Cuckoos. 
Genus  COCCYZUS  Vieillot. 

173.  (387).     Coccyzus    arnericanus    (Linn.).       Yellow-billed 
Cuckoo. 

A  very  rare  summer  resident  of  those  counties  within  the  Alle- 
ghanian  fauna,  while  elsewhere  it  must  be  ranked  as  accidental  or 
casual. 

Bounty  Records. — Androscoggin,  "rare  summer  resident"  (Stanton)  ; 
yumberland,  "rare  summer  resident"  (Brown's  Cat.  Birds   of   Portland, 
p.  20)  ;  Hancock,  "one  taken  at  Bar  Harbor   by  E.   Gordon"   (Smith)  ; 
Oxford,  "visitant"  (Nash);  Washington,  "accidental"  (Boardman). 

174.  (388).       Coccyzus     erythropthalmus     (Wils.).      Black- 
billed  Cuckoo. 


BIRDS    OF    MAINE.  71 

A  common  summer  resident,  but  on  account  of  its  somewhat  retir- 
ing habits  it  is  a  bird  more  often  heard  than  seen.  Feeding  to  a 
large  extent  upon  the  larva*  of  the  "Tent  Moth"  and  other  injurious 
catapillars,  it  is  one  of  the  most  beneficial  of  our  birds. 

County  Records. — Audroscoggiu,  "common  summer  resident"  (John- 
son) ;  Aroostook,  "occurs  at  Houlton"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn. 
Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  150;)  Cumberland,  "common  summer  resident"  (Mead)  ; 
Franklin,  "common  summer  resident''  (Swain);  Hancock,  "summer 
resident"  (Dorr)  ;  Keunebec,  "common  summer  resident'"  (Royal)  ;  Knox, 
"summer"  (Rackliff) ;  Oxford,  "breeds  common"  (Nash) ;  Penobscot, 
"common  summer  resident"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "common,  breeds" 
(Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  summer  resident"  (Spinney) ;  Somerset, 
"common  summer  resident"  (Morrell);  Waldo,  (Spratt);  Washington, 
"common"  (Boardman)  ;  York,  "abundant  breeder"  (Adams). 

Suborder  ALCYONES.     Kingfishers. 
Family  ALCEDINID^E.     Kingfishers. 

Genus  CERYLE  Boie. 
Subgenus  STREPTOCERYLE  Bonaparte. 
175.     (390).     Ceryle  alcyon  (Linn.).     Belted  Kingfisher. 
A  common  summer  resident,  and  while  it  is  usually  found  in  the 
vicinity  of  water,  I  have  found  nests  situated  at  least  a  mile  from 
the  nearest  stream  or  brook.     The  nest  is  always  situated  in  a 
burrow  dug  in  the  perpendicular  face  of  a  sand  bank,  and  the  exca- 
vation varies  in  length  from  three  to  twelve  feet. 

County  Records.— Androscoggin,  "common  summer  resident"  (John- 
son) ;  Aroostook,  "rather  common  at  Fort  Fairtield"  (Batcheld^r,  Bull. 
Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  150);  Cumberland,  'common  summer  resi- 
dent" (Mead)  ;  Franklin,  "common  summer  resident"  (LeeandMcLain)  ; 
Hancock,  "summer  resident"  (Murch),  "breeds  on  Deer  Isle"  (Knight) ; 
Kenuebec,  "common  summer  resident"  (Gardiner  Branch)  ;  Knox,  "sum- 
mer" (Rackliff) ;  Oxford,  "common,  breeds"  (Xash) ;  Penobscot,  "breeds 
commonly  along  the  Peuobscot  River  and  elsewhere  throughout  the 
county"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "common,  breeds"  (Homer) ;  Sagadahoc, 
"common  summer  resident"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "common  summer 
resident"  (Morrell);  Waldo,  "summer  resident"  (Knight);  Washington, 
"abundant  summer  resident"  (Boardman) ;  York,  "common  on  Saco 
River"  (Adams). 


72  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

Order  PICI.     Woodpeckers,  Wrynecks,  etc. 
Family  PICID.E.     Woodpeckers. 
Genus  DRYOBATES  Boie. 

176.  (393).     Dryobates  villosus  (Linn.}.    Hairy  Woodpecker. 

One  of  the  commonest  of  its  family  throughout  the  state,  being 
exceeded  in  numbers  only  by  the  Flicker  and  Downy  Woodpecker. 
It  is  resident  wherever  found  within  our  limits,  in  summer  retir- 
ing to  the  solitudes  of  the  country  to  nest,  while  in  winter  it  is  com- 
mon in  the  trees  and  orchards  of  our  city  gardens. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "fairly  common  resident"  (John- 
sou)  ;  Aroostook,  "common  at  Fort  Fairfield"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Nutt. 
Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  150)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  resident"  (Mead)  ; 
Franklin,  "common  resident"  (Lee  and  McLain)  ;  Hancock,  "resident" 
(Murch) ;  Kennebec,  "common  resident"  (Gardiner  Branch) ;  Knox, 
"resident"  (Rackliff)  ;  Oxford,  "common,  breeds"  (Nash)  ;  Penobscot, 
"breeds  quite  commonly,  especially  common  in  winter  when  it  may  be 
observed  almost  daily  in  the  heart  of  the  city  of  Bangor"  (Knight) ; 
Piscataquis,  "common  resident"  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "common,  nests" 
(Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "common  resident"  (Morrell)  ;  Waldo,  (Spratt)  ; 
Washington,  "abundant"  (Boardrnan)  ;  York,  "quite  common"  (Axlams). 

177.  (394c).       Dryobates    pubescens    medianus     (Swains.). 
Downy  Woodpecker. 

According  to  Mr.  Brewster  (Cf.  Brewster,  Auk,  Vol.  14,  p.  82) 
our  northern  Downy  Woodpecker  is  subspecifically  separable  from 
the  southern  bird,  and  ad  the  type  of  D.  pubescens  came  from  the 
south,  our  northern  bird  will  become  a  subspecies  for  which  Dryo- 
bates pubescens  medianus  (Swains.),  will  become  the  first  available 
name,  according  to  the  rule  of  priority  in  nomenclature.  As  the 
assigned  habitat  of  this  race  is  "Middle  and  northern  parts  of 
eastern  United  States  and  northward"  all  records  of  our  Maine 
Downy  Woodpecker  will  refer  to  this  subspecies.  It  is  a  common 
resident  throughout  the  state. 

County  Records.  —  Androscoggin,  "common  resident"  (Johnson); 
Aroostook,  "common  at  Fort  Fairfield"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn. 
Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  150)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  resident"  (Mead)  ;  Frank- 
lin, "common  resident"  (Swain)  ;  Hancock,  "common  resident,  nests 
very  commonly  on  the  wooded  islands  along  the  coast"  (Kuight)  ;  Keune- 
bec,  "abundant  resident" (Gardiner  Branch)  ;  Knox,"resident"  (Rackliff)  ; 
Oxford,  "common,  breeds"  (Nash)  ;  Penobscot,  "next  to  the  Flicker  it 
is  our  commonest  Woodpecker  here,  and  it  is  the  commonest  resident 


BIRDS    OF    MAINK.  73 

species"  (Kuight) ;  Pisc.it.iquU,  "common  resident"  (Homer) ;  Sagada- 
hoc,  "common  fall  and  spring"  (Spinney) ;  Somerset,  "common  resi- 
dent" (Morrell) ;  Waldo,  (Spratt) ;  Washington,  ••abundant"  Board- 
man)  ;  York,  "quite  common"  (Adams). 

Genus  PICOIDES  Lacepede. 

ITS.  (400).  Picoides  arcticus  (Swains.).  Arctic  Three-toed 
Woodpecker. 

A  rare  summer  resident  of  the  extreme  northern  and  eastern 
counties,  while  it  is  a  fairly  common  winter  visitant  throughout 
nearly  the  entire  state. 

County  Records.  — Androscoggin,  "rare  winter  visitor"  (Johnson) ; 
Aroostook,  "seen  at  Fort  Fail-field"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club, 
Vol.  7,  p.  150);  Cumberland,  "rare  winter  visitant"  (Mead);  Franklin, 
"rare"  (Richards) ;  Hancock,  "in  winter"  (Dorr) ;  Kennebec,  "very 
rare"  (Powers);  Knox,  "migrant"  (Rackliff )  ;  Oxford,  "breeds  rarely' 
(N;ish);  Peuobscot,  "not  uncommon  in  late  fall  and  winter"  (Knight); 
Piacataquis,  "commoo  in  winter"  (Homer);  Somerset,  "one  specimen 
taken  February  '.».  1M».V  (Morrell);  Waldo,  "rare"  (Spratt);  Washing- 
ton, "not  uncommon  in  \\  inter,  rare  summer  resident"  (Boardman). 

179.  (401).     Picoides   americanus  Brehml     American  Three- 
toed  Woodpecker. 

An  exceedingly  rare  resident  of  the  Canadian  fauna,  and  a  rare 
winter  visitant  elsewhere  in  the  state.  Reported  as  resident  in  two 
counties  only. 

County  Records— Franklin,  "rare  resident"  (Richards) ;  Kennebec, 
"very  rare"  (Powers)  ;  Oxford,  "winter  visitant"  (Nash)  ;  Penobscot, 
"very  rare"  (Hardy);  Piscataquis,  "rare  winter  visitor"  (Homer);  Sag- 
adahoc,  "rare,  two  specimens  only"  (Spinney)  ;  Washington,  "not  uncom- 
mon, rare  summer  resident"  (Boardman). 

Genus  SPHYRAPICUS  Baird. 

180.  (402).     Sphyrapicus    varius     (Linn.).       Yellow-bellied 
Sapsucker. 

A  common  summer  resident  of  most  parts  of  the  state.  It  is 
found  from  late  March  and  early  April  to  late  in  September. 

County  Records. — Androscoggiu,  "fairly  common  summer  resident'' 
(Johnson);  Aroostook,  "commonest  Woodpecker  at  Fort  Fairfield" 
(Batchelder,  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  150)  ;  Cumberland,  "com- 
mon summer  resident"  (Mead);  Franklin,  "common  summer  resident'' 
(Swain) ;  Hancock,  "common  summer  resident"  (Knight)  ;  Kennebec, 


74  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

"common  summer  resident"  (Sanborn)  ;  Knox,  "migrant"  (Rackliff) ; 
Oxford,  "breeds  commonly"  (Nash)  ;  Penobscot,  "quite  common  sum- 
mer resident,  very  common  migrant"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "abundant 
summer  resident"  (Whitman) ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  migrant"  (Spin- 
ney) ;  Somerset,  "common  summer  resident"  (Morrell)  ;  Waldo,  "rare" 
(Spratt)  ;  Washington,  "common  summer  resident"  (Boardman). 


Genus    CEOPHLCEUS   Cabanis. 

181.  (405).  Ceophloeus  pileatus  (Linn.).  Pileated  Wood- 
pecker. 

Formerly  quite  common,  but  now  its  center  of  abundance  is 
coincident  with  the  heavily  timbered  and  unsettled  portions.  It  is 
resident,  and  breeds  wherever  found  throughout  the  wilder  parts 
of  the  state. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "rare  resident"  (Johnson)  ;  Aroos- 
took,  "common  at  Houlton"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7, 
p.  150)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  resident"  (Mead)  ;  Franklin,  "rare  resi- 
dent" (Swain);  Hancock,  "resident"  (Murch) ;  Kennebec,  "very -rare 
resident"  (Dill) ;  Oxford,  "breeds  rarely  (Nash) ;  Penobscot,  "fairly 
common  resident  in  the  unsettled  parts  of  the  county"  (Knight)  ;  Piscat- 
aquis, "common  resident"  (Homer)  ;  Somerset,  "rare  resident"  (Mor- 
rell) ;  Waldo,  "rare"  (Spratt)  ;  Washington,  "not  uncommon  resident" 
(Boardman)  ;  York,  "a  few  seen  yearly"  (Adams). 


Genus  MELANERPES    Swainson. 
Subgenus  MELANERPES. 

182.  (406).  Melanerpes  erythrocephalus  (Linn.).  Red- 
headed Woodpecker. 

A  rare  summer  resident  of  some  parts  of  the  state,  more  common 
in  the  autumn  migration  than  at  any  other  season,  and  even  then 
it  is  quite  rare. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  (Pike)  ;  Cumberland,  "rare,  irregu- 
lar transient"  (Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  19)  ;  Franklin,  "rare" 
(Richards)  ;  Kennebec,  (Larrabee)  ;  Knox,  "occasional  visitant"  (Rack- 
lift)  ;  Oxford,  "visitant"  (Nash) ;  Penobscot,  "very  rare,  has  been 
taken  in  July"  (Knight) ;  Piscataquis,  "rare"  (Homer) ;  Sagadahoc, 
"rare,  only  three  specimens,  all  in  fall"  (Spinney)  ;  Washington,  "very 
rare"  (Boardraau)  ;  York,  "breeds  sparingly"  (Adams). 


BIRDS    OF    MA  INK.  75 

Genus  COLAPTES  Swainson. 

183.  (412).     Colaptes  auratus   (Linn.).     Flicker. 

The  "Yellow-hammer"  is  the  most  abundant  of  our  Woodpeckers 
throughout  the  state,  where  it  is  a  summer  resident,  occurring  from 
the  last  of  April  to  late  October.  They  are  especially  fond  of  a 
large  species  of  black  ant  which  occurs  here,  and  may  often  be 
seen  on  the  ground  near  an  ant  hill,  feeding  upon  the  occupants 
thereof.  Cherries  and  other  small  fruits  are  also  welcome  additions 
to  their  bill  of  fare. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  ''abundant  summer  resident"  (John- 
son) ;  Aroostook,  "rather  common  at  Fort  Fail-field"  (Batchelder,  Bull. 
Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  150)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  summer  resi- 
dent" (Mead)  ;  Franklin,  "common  summer  resident"  (Swain) ;  Hancock, 
"common  summer  resident"  (Murch),  "I  have  found  this  bird  to  be  very 
common  in  summer  on  the  various  wooded  islands  of  the  coast"  (Knight) ; 
Krnnebec,  "quite  common  summer  resident"  (Gardiner  Branch)  ;  Knox, 
"siimnn-r  resident"  (Rackliff) ;  Oxford,  "common,  breeds"  (Nash); 
Penobscot,  "breeds  commonly  and  is  the  most  abundant  of  our  wood- 
peckers" (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "common"  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "com- 
mon summer  resident"  (Spinney) ;  Somerset,  "common  summer  resi- 
dent" (Morrell) ;  Waldo,  "common  summer  resident"  (Knight) ;  Wash- 
ington, "abundant  summer  resident"  (Boardman)  ;  York,  "not  common, 
formerly  abundant"  (Adams). 

Order  MACROCHIRES.  Goatsuckers,  Swifts,  etc. 
Suborder  CAPRIMULGI.  Goatsuckers,  etc. 

Family  CAPRIMULGID^E.  Goatsuckers,  etc. 
Genus  ANTROSTOMUS  Gould. 

184.  (417).     Antrostomus  vociferus  (Wils.).    Whip-poor-will. 
A  fairly  common  summer  resident  throughout  the  state   and  in 

some  parts  it  is  very  abundant.  On  account  of  its  retiring  habits 
during  the  day  time  it  is  a  bird  more  often  heard  than  seen,  but 
its  cry  of  "whip-poor-will,  whip-poor-will,"  which  one  may  hear  on 
the  quiet  evenings  of  late  May  and  June,  is  a  very  good  proof  of 
its  presence  in  any  locality. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "common  summer  resident"  (John- 
son) ;  Aroostook,  "found  at  Houlton"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn. 
Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  150)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  summer  resident"  (Mead)  ; 
Franklin,  "common  summer  resident"  (Richards)  ;  Hancock,  "summer 
resident"  (Dorr) ;  Kennebec,  "rare  summer  resident"  (Gardiner  Branch)  ; 


76  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

Knox,  "migrant"  (Rackliff) ;  Oxford,  "breeds  commonly"  (Nash) ; 
Penobseot,  "common  near  the  Maine  State  College,  where  on  calm 
June  evenings  I  have  heard  six  or  eight  of  these  birds  calling  as  I  sat 
studying,  and  I  have  often  been  awakened  during  the  night  by  one  hold- 
ing forth  on  the  roof  of  the  house  over  my  head"  (Knight) ;  Piscataquis, 
"common"  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "very  rare"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "not 
common  summer  resident"  (Morrell) ;  Waldo,  (Spratt) ;  Washington, 
"not  uncommon  summer  resident"  (Boardman) ;  York,  "common  sum- 
mer resident"  (Adams). 

Genus  CHORDEILES  Swainson. 

185.  (420).     Chordeiles  virginianus  ( Gmel. ) .     Nighthawk. 

A  common  summer  resident,  breeding  throughout  the  entire  state. 
It  arrives  from  the  south  about  the  middle  or  last  of  May  and 
departs  in  late  August,  usually  migrating  in  large  bands.  A  few 
stragglers  are  found  up  to  the  middle  of  September. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "common  summer  resident"  (John- 
son) ;  Aroostook,  "common  at  Fort  Fail-field"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Nutt. 
Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  150)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  summer  resident" 
(Mead) ;  Franklin,  "common  summer  resident"  (Swain) ;  Hancock, 
"summer  resident"  (Murch)  ;  Kennebec,  "quite  common  summer  resi- 
dent" (Gardiner  Branch)  ;  Knox,  "summer  resident"  (Racklift) ;  Oxford, 
"breeds  commonly"  (Nash) ;  Penobseot,  "common  summer  resident, 
I  have  found  it  breeding  on  flat  gravelled  roofs  of  buildings  in  the 
heart  of  the  city  of  Bangor"  (Knight) ;  Piscataquis,  "common"  (Homer) ; 
Sagadahoc,  "common  summer  resident"  (Spinney) ;  Somerset,  "common 
summer  resident"  (Morrell) ;  Waldo,  (Spratt)  ;  Washington,  "abundant 
summer  resident"  (Boardmau) ;  York,  "common  summer  resident" 
(Adams). 

Suborder  CYPSELI.     Swifts. 

Family  MICROPODID7E.     Swifts. 

Subfamily  CH^ETURINJE.     Spine-tailed  Swifts. 

Genus  CHJETURA  Stephens. 

186.  (423).     Chaetura  pelagica  (Linn.).      Chimney  Swift. 

A  common  summer  resident  throughout  the  state,  usually  plac- 
ing its  nests  in  the  disused  chimneys  of  some  house.  Near  Bucks- 
port  there  is  a  large,  disused  chimney  of  a  storehouse  where  fully 
100  of  these  birds  make  their  home  in  summer,  as  I  am  informed 
by  Mr.  Dorr  of  that  town.  Usually  only  one  or  two  pair  of  birds 
are  found  inhabiting  a  single  chimney,  but  I  have  personally  seen 
one  containing  ten  nests  with  eggs,  and  see  no  reason  why  they 


BIRDS    OF    MAINE.  77 

should  not  be  more  numerous  in  a  given  chimney  under  favorable 
circumstances.  This  species  also  attaches  its  nests  to  the  inner 
walls  of  barns  and  other  buildings  when  no  chimney  is  convenient, 
and  I  suspect  that  in  isolated  parts  of  the  state  the  ancient  custom, 
in  vogue  before  the  advent  of  civilization,  of  placing  the  nest 
against  the  inner  wall  of  a  hollow  tree,  is  still  adhered  to. 

County  Records.  —  Audroscoggiu,  "abundant  summer  resident"  (John- 
son); Aroostook.  "seen  at  Fort  Fail-field"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Xutt.  Orn. 
Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  150) ;  Cumberland,  k>eommon  summer  resident"  (Mead)  ; 
Franklin,  ''common  summer  resident"  (Swain);  Hancock,  "summer 
resident"  (Murch) ;  Kennebec,  "abundant  summer  resident"  (Gardiner 
Branch);  Knox,  ••summer  resident"  (Rackliff);  Oxford,  "breeds  com- 
monly" (Xash)  ;  Peuobscot,  "abundant  in  the  settled  parts  of  the  county" 
(Knight);  Piscataquis,  "common  summer  resident"  (Whitman);  Saga- 
dahoc,  "common  summer  resident"  (Spinney) ;  Somerset,  "common 
summer  resident"  (Morrell) ;  Waldo,  "common  summer  resident" 
(Knight):  Washington,  "abundant  summer  resident"  (Boardman) ; 
York,  "common  summer  resident"  (Adams). 

Suborder  TROCHILI.    Hummingbirds. 

Family  TROCHILID^E.  Hummingbirds. 

Genus  TROCHILUS  Linnaeus. 

Subgenus  TROCHILUS. 

187.  (428).  Trochilus  colubris  Linn.  Ruby-throated  Hum- 
mingbird. 

Common  summer  resident  everywhere  through  the  state,  but  per- 
haps occurring  in  slightly  greater  abundance  in  the  southern  part. 

County  Records. — Audroscoggin,  "fairly  common  summer  resident" 
(Johnson) ;  Aroostook,  "seen  at  Fort  Fairfield"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Nutt. 
Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  150);  Cumberland,  "common  summer  resident" 
(Mead);  Franklin,  "common  summer  resident"  (Swain);  Hancock, 
"summer  resident"  (Murch) ;  Kenuebec,  "common  summer  resident" 
(Gardiner  Branch) ;  Knox,  "summer  resident"  (Rackliff) ;  Oxford, 
"breeds  commonly"  (Nash)  ;  Penobscot,  "fairly  common  summer  resi- 
dent" (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "common"  (Homer) ;  Sagadahoc,  "com- 
mon summer  resident"  (Spinney) ;  Somerset,  "quite  common  summer 
resident"  (Morrell)  ;  Waldo,  (Spratt)  ;  Washington,  "abundant  summer 
resident"  (Boardman);  York,  "summer  resident"  (Adams). 


78  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

Order  PASSERES.     Perching  birds. 

Suborder  CLAMATORES.     Songless  Perching  Birds. 
Family  TYRANNID^E.     Tyrant  Flycatchers. 
Genus  TYRANNUS  Cuvier. 

188.  (444).     Tyrannus  tyrannus  (Linn.).     Kingbird. 

Everywhere  a  common  summer  resident,  but  nevertheless  this 
species  prefers  to  make  its  summer  home  in  the  immediate  vicinity 
of  some  dwelling  house  when  possible.  The  nest  is  often  placed  in 
an  apple  tree,  although  where  I  found  this  bird  nesting  away  from 
the  vicinity  of  houses  it  often  placed  its  domicile  in  some  elm  or 
maple.  They  also  nest  in  dead  trees  overhanging  the  water. 
It  is  regarded  with  disfavor  by  bee  keepers  on  account  of  its  liking 
for  bees,  but  probably  a  large  part  of  these  insects  which  fall  vic- 
tims to  its  appetite  are  drones  and  consequently  of  no  value  to  the 
apiarist. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "common  summer  resident-'  (John- 
son) ;  Aroostook,  "seen  at  Fort  Fairfield"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn. 
Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  149)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  summer  resident"  (Mead) ; 
Franklin,  "common  summer  resident*'  (Swain) ;  Hancock,  "summer 
resident"  (Murch)  ;  Keimebec,  "abundant  summer  resident"  (Gardiner 
Branch)  ;  Knox,  "summer  resident"  (Rackliff) ;  Oxford,  "common  sum- 
mer resident"  (Johnson) ;  Penobscot,  "breeds  commonly"  (Knight) ; 
Piscataquis,  "common"  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  summer  resi- 
dent" (Spinney) ;  Somerset,  "common  summer  resident"  (Morrell) ; 
Waldo,  "common  summer  resident"  (Knight) ;  Washington,  "very 
abundant"  (Boardman) ;  York,  "quite  common  summer  resident" 
(Adams). 

189.  (447).     Tyrannus  verticalis   Say.     Arkansas   Kingbird. 
A  single  specimen  has  been  taken  at  Elliot,  Y~ork  County,  so  this 

species  is  entitled  to  a  place  in  our  fauna  as  a  purely  accidental 
visitor.  (Cf .  Purdie,  Bulletin  of  the  Nuttall  Ornithological  Club, 
Vol.  1,  p.  73). 

Genus  MYIARCHUS  Cabanis. 

190.  (452).    Myiarchus  crinitns  (Linn.).    Crested  Flycatcher. 
A  summer  resident  in  the  southern  part  of  the  state,  and  uncom- 
mon within  the  limits  of  the  Canadian  fauna. 


BIRDS    OF    MAINE.  79 

County  Records.  —  Androscoggin,  "fairly  common  summer  resident'' 
(Johnson);  Cumberland,  "uncommon  summer  resident"  (Brown's  Cat. 
Bird  8  of  Portland,  p.  17)  ;  Franklin,  "rare  summer  resident"  (Swain); 
Kennebec,  "summer  resident"  (Dill)  ;  Oxford,  "breeds  rarely"  (Nash)  ; 
Penobscot,  "rare  summer  resident,  usually  only  two  or  three  individuals 
observed  in  the  course  of  a  season"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "not  uncom- 
mon, breeds"  (Homer)  ;  Somerset,  "quite  common  summer  resident*' 
fMonvll);  \Valdo,  (Spratt)  ;  Washington,  "very  rare"  (Boardmau)  ; 
York,  "rare  suimm-r  resident  "(Adams). 


SAYORNIS  Bonaparte. 

191.  (456).     Sayornis  phoebe  (Lath.).     Phnebe. 

A  common  summer  resident  which  is  locally  known  as  "Bridge 
Pewee"  from  its  propensity  for  placing  its  nest  under  bridges, 
where  the  beams  overhead  serve  as  a  foundation  for  the  domicile. 
The  names  Phoebe  and  Pewee  are  given  the  bird  on  account  of  its 
notes  which  resemble  these  words. 

County  Records.  —  Androscoggin,  "common  summer  resident''  (John- 
son) ;  Aroostook,  "seen  at  Fort  Fail  field  and  Houlton''  (Batchelder, 
Bull.  Xutt.  Oru.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  149)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  summer 
resident"  (Mead)  ;  Franklin,  "common  summer  resident"  (Swain);  Han- 
cock, "summer  resident"  (Murch)  ;  Kennebec,  "common  summer  resi- 
dent" (Gardiner  Branch)  ;  Knox,  "visitant"  (Norton)  ;  Oxford,  "breeds 
commonly"  (Nash)  ;  Penobscot,  "common  summer  resident"  (Knight); 
Piscataquis,  "common,  breeds"  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  summer 

iident"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "common  summer  resident"  (Morrell)  ; 
Waldo.  (Spratt):  Washington,  "rare"  (Boardman)  ;  York,  "not  com- 

>n  summer  resident"  (Adams). 

Genus  CONTOPUS  Cabanis. 
Subgenus  NUTTALLORNIS  Ridgw. 

192.  (459).     Contopus  borealis   (Sivains.).     Olive-sided  Fly- 
;atcher. 

A  summer  resident  chiefly  confined  to  the  Canadian  fauna,  else- 
where it  occurs  quite  commonly  in  the  migrations. 

County  Records.  —  Androscoggin,  "has  been  seen  here"  (Walters,  The 
Birds  of  Audroscoggin  Co.,  p.  23  j  ;  Aroostook,  "rather  common  at  Fort 
Fail-field"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Xutt.  Oru.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  149)  ;  Cumber- 
land, "rare"  (Mead);  Franklin,  "rare  summer  resident"  (Swain);  Ken- 
nebec, "rare  summer  resident"  (Dill)  ;  Knox,  "summer"  (Rackliff  )  ; 
>xford,  "breeds  rarely"  (Nash)  ;  Peuobscot,  "tolerably  common  summer 

jident"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "common,  breeds"  (Homer)  ;  Washing- 
ton, "not  uncommon  summer  resident"  (Boardman). 


80  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

Subgenus  CONTOPUS  Cabanis. 

193.  (461).     Contopus  virens  (Linn.}.     Wood  Pe wee. 
Common  summer  resident  throughout  the  state,  frequenting  the 

trees  of  both  woodland  and  city.  The  characteristic,  drawling 
note  "pe-wee-a-a-"  is  one  of  the  best  evidences  of  its  presence, 
even  when  the  bird  is  not  seen. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "fairly  common  summer  resident" 
(Johnson)  ;  Aroostook,  "not  uncommon  at  Fort  Fail-field"  (Batchelder, 
Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  149) ;  Cumberland,  "common  summer 
resident"  (Mead);  Franklin,  "common  summer  resident"  (Swain);  Han- 
cock, "summer  resident"  (Knight)  ;  Kennebec,  "quite  common  summer 
resident"  (Gardiner  Branch)  ;  Knox,  "rare  in  summer"  (Rackliff)  ;  Ox- 
ford, "common,  breeds"  (Nash) ;  Penobscot,  "common  throughout  the 
summer"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "common  summer  resident"  (Homer)  ; 
Sagadahoc,  "summer  resident"  (Spinney) ;  Somerset,  "common  summer 
resident"  (Morrell) ;  Waldo,  (Spratt) ;  Washington,  "not  uncommon 
summer  resident"  (Boardman). 

Genus  EMPIDONAX  Cabanis. 

194.  (463).      Empidonax  flaviventris    Baird.     Yellow-bellied 
Flycatcher. 

A  somewhat  rare  summer  resident  of  those  counties  within  the 
Canadian  fauna,  while  in  other  parts  of  the  state  it  occurs  as  a  rare 
migrant. 

County  Records.— Androscoggiu.  (Walter's  Birds  of  Androscoggin 
County,  p.  23)  ;  Aroostook,  "rather  common  at  Fort  Fairfield,  breeds" 
(Batchelder,  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  149)  ;  Cumberland,  "quite 
rare  transient"  (Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  18) ;  Franklin,  "rare 
summer  resident"  (Richards) ;  Hancock,  "rare  summer  resident" 
(Knight);  Kennebec,  "rare"  (Gardiner  Branch)  ;  Knox,  "summer  resi- 
dent" (Norton)  ;  Oxford,  "breeds  at  Richaulson  Lake"  (Cf.  Osborue, 
Bull.  Nutt  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  4,  p.  240);  Peuobscot,  "quite  common 
summer  resident"  (Knight) ;  Somerset,  "not  common  migrant"  (Mor- 
rell) ;  Waldo,  (Spratt) ;  Washington,  "not  uncommon  summer  resi- 
dent" (Boardman). 

195.  (466a).     Empidouax    traillii    alnorum    Brewst.       Alder 
Flycatcher. 

A  fairly  common  summer  resident  in  most  parts  of  the  state, 
but  owing  to  its  frequenting  alder  thickets  and  other  low  bushy 
areas  and  being  rarely  met  with  outside  of  its  favorite  habitat,  this 
species  has  not  been  reported  from  many  localities  where  it 


UIKDs    OF     MAIXK.  81 

undoubtedly  occurs.  This  is  the  TrailFs  Flycatcher  of  previous 
lists,  but  as  pointed  out  by  Mr.  Brewster  in  The  Auk,  Vol.  12,  p. 
161,  Audubon's  type  of  traiUii  was  from  the  west,  and  our  eastern 
bird  being  subspecifically  distinct,  this  name  is  given  it  by  him. 

County  Records. — Audroscoggin,  "fairly  common  summer  resident" 
(Johnson) ;  Aroostook,  "seen  at  Houlton"  (Purdie,  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn. 
Club,  Vol.  1,  p.  76);  Cumberland,  "common  summer  resident"  (Brown's 
Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  18)  ;  Franklin,  "common  summer  resident'' 
(Swain)  ;  Hancock,  "quite  common  summer  resident"  (Knight) ;  Kenne- 
bec,  "rare  summer  resident"  (Robbins)  ;  Knox,  "summer"  (Racklift) ; 
Oxford,  "rare  breeder"  (Nash) ;  Penobscot,  "quite  a  common  summer 
resident,  but  not  met  with  except  in  alder  thickets"  (Knight) ;  Piscata- 
quis.  "common  summer  resident"  (Whitman)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "rare  sum- 
mer resident"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "common  summer  resident"  (Mor- 
rell) ;  Waldo,  (Knight);  Washington,  "not  uncommon  summer  resident" 
(Boardman). 

196.     (467).     Empidonax  minimus  Baird.     Least  Flycatcher. 

Common  summer  resident  throughout  the  state.  This  species 
can  always  be  distinguished  from  all  the  other  Flycatchers  found 
here  by  its  cry  of  "che-bec,  che'-bec."  The  bird  in  hand  when  com- 
pared with  the  Alder  Flycatcher  resembles  it  very  closely,  but  the 
wing  of  the  latter  is  over  2.60  inches  in  length  while  the  wing  of 
the  Least  Flycatcher  is  under  2.60,  and  there  is  also  a  slight  dif- 
ference in  the  color  of  the  wing  coverts.  The  notes  of  the  two 
species  are  altogether  different,  as  are  the  nests  and  eggs,  and 
the  habitats  of  the  birds,  the  Least  Flycatcher  always  frequenting 
open  woods,  orchards,  or  the  trees  of  our  towns  and  cities,  while 
ulii'H'tim  is  always  confined  to  alder  growths. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "common  summer  resident"  (John- 
son) ;  Aroostook,  "rather  common  at  Fort  Fairfield"  (Batchelder,  Bull. 
Nutt.  Oru.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  149)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  summer  resi- 
dent" (Mead)  ;  Franklin,  "common  summer  resident"  (Swain)  ;  Hancock, 
"summer  resident"  (Dorr) ;  Kennebec,  "common  summer  resident" 
(Gardiner  Branch) ;  Oxford,  "common  breeder"  (Nash) ;  Penobscot, 
"very  common  summer  resident"  (Knight) ;  Piscataquis,  "common, 
breeds''  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "common"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "com- 
mon summer  resident"  (Morrell) ;  AValdo,  (Spratt) ;  Washington, 
"abundant  summer  resident"  (Boardmau) ;  York,  "common  summer 
resident"  (Adams). 


82  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

Suborder  OSCINES.     Song  Birds. 
Family  ALAUDID^.     Larks. 
Genus  OTOCORIS  Bonaparte. 

197.  (474).     Otocoris  alpestris  (Linn.).     Horned  Lark. 
Occurs  only  as  a  winter  resident  and  then  is  subject  to  periods  of 

variable  abundance.  It  is  of  somewhat  local  occurrence,  being 
met  with  commonly  in  some  places,  while  not  occurring  at  all  in 
others. 

County  Records. — Androscoggiu,  "rare  migrant"  (Johnson)  ;  Cumber- 
land, "gregarious  winter  resident  of  variable  abundance''  (Brown's  Cat. 
Birds  of  Portland,  p.  17)  ;  Knox,  "winter"  (Rackliff)  ;  Oxford,  "occurs 
in  winter  at  Norway"  (Verriirs  List  of  Birds  of  Norway)  ;  Piscataquis, 
"common"  (Homer) ;  Washington,  "very  rare"  (Boardman). 

198.  (474b).     Otocoris    alpestris    praticola    Hensh.     Prairie 
Horned  Lark. 

The  published  records  of  this  subspecies  and  the  preceding 
species  have  been  inextricably  mixed,  and  consequently  I  have 
been  obliged  to  ignore  all  previous  records  of  either  and  only  admit 
records  which  are  made  on  the  basis  of  specimens  actually  in  exis- 
tence. The  first  published  record  of  the  occurrence  of  praticola  in 
Maine  will  be  found  in  the  Maine  Sportsman  for  April,  1897, 
page  6.  Mr.  J.  C.  Mead  of  North  Bridgton,  the  author  of  the 
above  cited  article  writes  me  as  follows  :  "On  March  13th,  1897, 
my  attention  was  called  to  a  flock  of  about  25  birds  feeding  busily 
in  the  street  near  the  outskirts  of  our  village  (North  Bridgton, 
Cumberland  Co.).  I  secured  four  specimens.  Measurements  and 
descriptions  led  me  to  believe  that  I  had  secured  the  Prairie  Horned 
Lark.  Mr.  A.  H.  Norton  who  has  examined  all  the  skins  pro- 
nounces them  typical  of  this  variety."  Mr.  Norton  writes  that  two 
of  these  are  males  by  dissection,  one  a  male  by  proportions  and 
markings,  and  the  remaining  one  a  female  by  dissection.  A  pair 
of  these  birds  in  the  collection  of  the  University  of  Maine  are 
typical  specimens.  They  were  killed  at  Bucksport,  Hancock  Co. 
about  '86  or  '87,  in  the  winter,  by  Alvah  G.  Dorr.  Mr.  Harry 
Merrill  has  a  typical  male  which  was  killed  at  Bangor,  Peuobscot 
Co.,  March  30th,  1887.  Mr.  Wallace  Homer  of  Monson,  Piscata- 
quis Co.,  has  a  fairly  typical  example  which  is  a  male  according  to 
appearances.  Prof.  A.  L.  Lane  of  Waterville,  Keunebec  County, 


I-.I1MX    <>K    MAINK.  83 

has  a  specimen,  seemingly  a  male,  which  was  taken  at  that  city  in 
the  spring  of  '92  or  '93.  Mr.  C.  H.  Morrell  of  Pittsfield,  Somerset 
County,  lias  a  male  taken  there  March  29th,  1892,  one  taken  March 
27th,  1*9.").  ami  a  female  taken  March  22ud,  1894.  Mr.  C.  D. 
Farrar  of  Lewiston,  Androscoggin  County,  took  a  specimen  from  a 
flock  of  8  or  10/Febraary  i^'.th,  1897.  Part  of  these  have  been  veri- 
fied l»y  Mr.Brewster,and  the  identification  of  the  remainder  rests  upon 
the  author.  With  the  foregoing  evidence  we  may  safely  say  that  the 
Prairie  Horned  Lark  is  a  regular  migrant  in  many  parts  of  the 
state,  and  it  is  not  improbable  that  it  may  ultimately  be  found 
breeding  within  our  limits. 

Family  CORVID^E.     Crows,  Jays,  Ma-pies,  etc. 

Subfamily  GARRULIX.K.      Magpies  and  Jays, 

Genus  CYANOCITTA  Strickland. 

199.  (477).     Cyanocitta  cristata  (Linn.).     Blue  Jay. 

A  tolerably  common  resident  of  general  distribution,  usually 
frequenting  dense  woods  in  this  state,  and  rarely  venturing  within 
the  limits  of  our  villages  and  towns.  In  Illinois,  Kansas,  and 
other  western  states  this  bird  is  quite  different  in  its  habits,  ven- 
turing freely  and  boldly  into  the  towns  and  villages,  and  construct- 
ing its  nest  in  trees  in  the  very  dooryards.  I  was  much  surprised 
to  find  our  Maine  Blue  Jays  so  shy  and  unsociable,  being  quite 
the  opposite  of  the  tame,  fearless  Jays  I  had  known  in  the  west. 

<  ounty  Records. — Audroscoggin,  "common  resident"'  (Johnson) ; 
Aroostook,  "rather  common  at  Fort  Fail-field"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Xutt . 
O'rn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  149)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  resident"  (Mead)  ; 
Franklin,  "common  resident"  (Swaiu)  ;  Hancock,  "common  resident'? 
(Dorr);  Kenuebec,  "quite  common  resident"  (Sanborn);  Knox,  "sum- 
nirr"  (Hackliff)  ;  Oxford,  "breeds  commonly"  (Nash);  Penobscot,  "resi- 
dent, commonest  in  fall,  in  summer  this  species  retires  to  the  most  iso- 
lated localities  to  uest  and  in  such  places  it  is  not  uncommon"  (Knight)  ; 
I'Ucat.-iqiiis,  "common  resident"  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  resi- 
dent" (Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "not  very  common  resident"  (Morrell) ; 
Waldo,  (Spratt) ;  Washington,  "common  resident"'  (Boardman)  ;  York, 
"all  too  common"  (Adams). 

Genus  PERISOREUS  Bonaparte. 

200.  (484).     Perisoreus  canadensis  (Linn.).     Canada  Jay. 

A  typical  bird  of  the  Canadian  fauna  and  resident  within  its 
limits.  Elsewhere  in  the  state  it  occurs  only  as  a  straggler.  About 


84  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

the  lumber  camps  of  northern  Maine  it  is  one  of  the  commonest 
and  most  familiar  of  birds,  and  here  it  is  known  as  the  Moose  Bird 
or  Whiskey  Jack. 

County  Records. — Androscoggiu,  "rare  visitant"  (Johnson)  ;  Aroos- 
took,  "very  common  at  Houltou"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Xutt.  On.  Club, 
Vol.  7,  p.  149) ;  Cumberland,  "rare"  (Mead)  ;  Franklin,  "very  rare" 
(Swain)  ;  Hancock,  "rare"  (Dorr)  ;  Knox,  "rare  migrant"  (Rackliff)  ; 
Oxford,  "breeds  rarely"  (Nash)  ;  Peuobscot,  "common  in  northern  part 
of  the  county,  quite  rare  in  the  southern  part"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis, 
"common  resident"  (Homer);  Somerset,  "found near Jackman"  (Harvey 
and  Knight)  ;  Washington,  "common  resident"  (Boardman)  ;  York,  "a 
few  seen"  (Adams). 

Subfamily  CORVINE.     Crows. 
Genus  CORVUS  Linnaeus- 

201.  (486a).     Corvus    corax   principalis    Ridgw.       Northern 
Raven. 

A  quite  common  resident  along  the  coast  and  of  rare  occurrence 
in  the  interior.  On  May  16,  1896, 1  observed  a  nest  of  this  spe- 
cies containing  nearly  fledged  young,  on  an  island  in  Penobscot 
Bay.  A  colony  of  Black-crowned  Night  Herons  were  breeding  on 
the  same  island,  but  no  eggs  were  found  in  any  of  the  nests  save 
two.  Under  the  nests  were  dozens  of  the  eggs  with  "bill  holes"  in 
them  which  clearly  demonstrated  the  use  they  had  been  put  to  by 
the  Ravens.  In  June  1  again  visited  the  island  and  found  the 
young  Ravens  flying  about,  while  the  Herons  had  been  driven  from 
the  place  by  the  constant  prosecutions  they  had  been  subjected  to. 

County  Records. — Aroostook,  "rare  at  Houlton"  (Batchelder,  Bull. 
Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  149)  ;  Cumberland,  "very  rare  winter  visitor" 
(Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  17)  ;  Franklin,  "rare  or  accidental" 
(Richards)  ;  Hancock,  "resident  and  nests  on  many  of  the  islands  along 
the  coast"  (Knight) ;  Knox,  "resident"  (Rackliff) ;  Lincoln,  "seen  in 
June,  1897"  (Norton)  ;  Oxford,  "visitant"  (Xash) ;  Penobscot,  (Hardy) ; 
Sagadahoc,  "common,  nests"  (Spinney);  Washington,  "not  common, 
breeds"  (Boardman). 

202.  (488.).     Corvus  americanus  And.     American  Crow. 

A  common  resident  along  the  coast,  a  common  summer  resident 
throughout  the  state,  and  of  rare  occurrence  in  winter  in  the  inte- 
rior. The  Crow  is  a  much  maligned  bird  and  undoubtedly  does  far 
more  good  than  harm.  The  small  amounts  of  corn  and  grain 


BIRDS    OF    MAINE.  85 

which  are  eaten  are  more  than  paid  for  by  the  great  numbers  of 
injurious  insects  which  are  devoured.  Along  the  coast  Crows  may 
be  seen  at  low  tide,  feeding  on  the  various  forms  of  marine  animals 
which  are  exposed  by  the  receding  waters.  I  have  very  good  evi- 
dence that  this  species  also  visits  the  outer  islands  and  feeds  on  the 
eggs  of  the  Black  Guillemots  and  Terns.  I  have  seen  them  leave 
islands  where  these  birds  nested,  and  on  landing  found  fresh  frag- 
ments of  partly  devoured  eggs  with  "bill  holes"  in  them.  It  is  a 
mystery  how  they  manage  to  get  the  eggs  of  the  Guillemots, 
as  they  are  always  deposited  far  under  piles  of  rocks,  and  the 
ingenuity  of  a  collector  is  taxed  to  find  them.  On  the  whole  I 
believe  the  Crow  is  rather  more  beneficial  than  injurious  to  the 
farmer. 

Couuty  Record. — Androscoggin,  "abundant  .summer  resident"  (John- 
sou)  ;  Aroostook,  "common  at  Fort  Fail-field"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Xutt. 
Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  149);  Cumberland,  "common  resident''  (Mead); 
Franklin,  "common  resident"  (Swain)  ;  Hancock,  "common  resident" 
(Knight) ;  Kennebec,  "quite  common  summer  resident,  rarely  resident" 
(.(Janliner  Branch);  Knox,  "resident"  (Rackliff) ;  Lincoln,  "common" 
(Norton);  Oxford,  "common,  breeds"  (Xash) ;  IN-nobscot,  "abundant 
summer  resident,  rare  in  winter"  (Knight) ;  Piscataquis,  "summer  resi- 
dent" (Homer):  Sagadahoc,  "common"  (Spinney);  Somerset,  "common 
summer  resident"  (Morrell) ;  Waldo,  "common  resident  along  the  coast, 
probably  common  summer  resident  in  interior"  (Knight)  ;  Washington, 
"common  resident"  (Boardman)  ;  York,  "common"  (Adams). 

Family  STURNID^E.     Starlings. 
Genus  STURNUS  Linnaeus. 

203.  (493).     Sturnus  vulgaris  Linn.     Starling. 

Mr.  George  A.  Boardman  informs  me  that  it  is  accidental  at 
Calais,  a  specimen  having  been  shot  by  a  Mr.  Nichols,  on  May  4, 
1889. 

Family  ICTERID^E.     Blackbirds,  Orioles,  etc. 
Genus  DOLICHONYX  Swainson. 

204.  (494).     Dolichonyx  oryzivorus  (Linn.).     Bobolink. 

A  common  summer  resident  wherever  there  are  grassy  meadows 
and  fields  throughout  the  state.  The  male  is  well  known  by 
his  wild,  happy,  rollicking  song.  The  dull-colored  female  is 
less  apt  to  be  noticed,  and  fewer  people  are  acquainted  with 


86  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

the  quaker  wife  of  one  of  our  best  songsters.  In  fall  the 
males  take  on  a  dull-colored  plumage  and  their  sole  cry  be- 
comes a  low  chirp  or  chink.  In  early  September  they  leave  for  the 
rice  marshes  of  the  south  and  here  they  are  known  as  Rice  Birds. 
In  New  York  restaurants  they  are  served  to  epicures  under  the 
name  of  Reed  Birds,  although  the  despised  English  Sparrow  is  now 
being  brought  into  their  place  under  the  same  name. 

County  Records. — Audroscoggin,  "common  summer  resident"  (John- 
sou)  ;  Aroostook,  " not  rare  at  Fort  Fairfield"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Xutt. 
Orn.  CJub,  Vol.  7,  p.  149)  Cumberland,  "common  summer  resident'' 
(Mead)  ;  Franklin,  "common  summer  resident"  (Swain)  ;  Hancock,  "sum- 
mer resident"  (Murch)  ;  Kenuebec,  "common  summer  resident"  (Gardi- 
ner Branch)  ;  Kuox,  "summer"  (RacklhT)  ;  Oxford,  "common,  breeds" 
(Nash) ;  Peuobscot,  "very  common  breeder"  (Knight) ;  Piscataquis, 
"common,  breeds"  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  summer  resident" 
(Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "common  summer  resident"  (Morrell) ;  Waldo, 
(Spratt)  ;  Washington,  "very  abundant  summer  resident"  (Boardmau)  ; 
York,  "rarely  breeds"  (Adams). 

Genus  MOLOTHRUS  Swaiuson. 

205.  (495).     Molothrus  ater  (Bodd.).     Cowbird. 

A  common  summer  resident  in  most  parts  of  the  state  and  of 
very  general  distribution.  This  species  makes  no  nest  of  its  own, 
but  instead  deposits  its  eggs  in  the  nests  of  smaller  birds,  usually 
laying  only  one  egg  in  a  nest  though  as  many  as  four  eggs  of 
the  Cowbird  have  been  found  in  one  nest,  these  probably  being  the 
product  of  as  many  different  females..  The  nests  of  our  Warblers 
are  perhaps  thus  imposed  on  most  often,  though  the  Chipping  Spar- 
row, Red-eyed  Vireo,  and  other  small  birds  are  also  forced  to 
receive  the  intruding  egg  into  their  nests. 

County  Records. — Androscoggiu,  "common  summer  resident"  (John- 
sou)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  summer  resident"  (Mead)  ;  Franklin,  "com- 
mon summer  resident"  (Swain) ;  Hancock,  •'summer1  resident"  (Dorr)  ; 
Kennebec,  "quite  common  summer  resident"  (Gardiner  Branch)  ;  Knox, 
"migrant"  (Rackliff)  ;  Oxford,  "breeds  commonly"  (Nash)  ;  Peuobscot, 
"a  common  summer  resident"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "not  common" 
(Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  summer  resident"  (Spinney) ;  Somerset, 
"common  summer  resident"  (Morrell) ;  Waldo,  (Spratt) ;  Washington, 
"rare  summer  resident"  (Boardman). 

Genus  XANTHOCEPHALUS  Bonaparte. 

206.  (497).     Xauthocephalus  xauthocephalus  (Bonap.}.   Yel- 
low-headed Blackbird. 


1UKDS    OK    MAINK.  87 

Of  purely  accidental  occurrence,  only  one  specimen  having  been 
taken  in  the  state.  This  was  taken  by  Mr.  Rackliff,  at  Spruce 
Head,  Knox  County,  on  August  17,  1882.  (Cf.  Norton,  The 
Auk,  Vol.  11,  pp.  78-79,  and  also  in  the  same  connection  Cf. 
Ridgway,  The  Auk,  Vol.  4,  p.  256 ;  the  notes  by  Mr.  Norton 
give  more  details  of  this  bird  and  also  corrections  regarding  the 
date  of  capture). 

Genus  AGELAIUS  Vieillot. 

•  207.     (498).    Agelaius  phoeniceus  (Linn.).  Red-winged  Black- 
bird. 

Common  everywhere  in  migrations,  while  in  summer  it  is  locally 
abundant  wherever  marshes  and  cat-tail  swamps  furnish  an  abiding 
place. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "abundant  summer  resident"  (John- 
son) ;  Aroostook,  "quite  common  on  Eel  River"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Xutt. 
Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  149) ;  Cumberland,  "common  summer  resident" 
(Mead) ;  Franklin,  "common  summer  resident"  (Swain) ;  Hancock, 
"breeds"  (Murch)  ;  Kenuebec,  "common  summer  resident"  (Gardiner 
Branch) ;  Knox,"surnmer" (Rackliff)  ;  Lincoln,  (Norton)  ;  Oxford, "breeds 
commonly"  (Xash)  ;  Penobscot,  "common  summer  resident  in  suitable 
localities"(Kuight)  ;  Piscataquis, "common, breeds"  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc, 
"common  summer  resident" (Spinney) ;  Somerset,  "common  summer  resi- 
deut"(Morrell)  ;  Washington,  "abundant  summer  resident*'  (Boardman) ; 
York,  "common  summer  resident  (Adams). 

Genus  STURNELLA  Vieillot. 

208.     (501).     Sturnella  magna  (Linn.).     Meadow  Lark. 

A  rare  summer  resident  of  local  occurrence.  Its  scarcity  in  parts 
of  the  state  is  partly  due  to  the  lack  of  suitable  expanses  of  meadow 
and  grass  land  which  this  species  loves  to  frequent,  and  partly  to  its 
being  a  typical  Alleghanian  species. 

County  Records. — Androscoggiu,  "rare  migrant"  (Johnson)  ;  Cumber- 
land, "rare  summer  resident,  oftenest  seen  in  migration"  (Brown's  Cat. 
Birds  of  Portland,  p.  16)  ;  Franklin,  "rare  summer  resident"  (Swain)  ; 
Kennebec,  (Larrabee) ;  Knox,  "rare  migrant"  (Rackliff) ;  Oxford, 
"breeds  rarely"  (Nash)  ;  Penobscot,  ua  pair  of  these  birds  frequented 
the  same  field  in  the  summers  of  1894  and  1895,  and  their  nest  was  found 
by  some  small  boys  the  first  season ;  outside  of  this  pair  of  birds  I  have 
never  seen  more  than  three  other  individuals  in  the  county"  (Knight) ; 
Piscataquis,  "rare"  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "rare,  one  specimen"  (Spin- 
ney) ;  Somerset,  "rare  summer  resident"  (Morrell)  ;  Washington,  "acci- 
dental" (Boardmau). 


88  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

Genus  ICTERUS  Brisson. 
Subgenus  PENDULINUS  Vieillot. 

209.  (506).     Icterus  spurius  (Linn.}.     Orchard  Oriole. 
Accidental  within  the  state,  only  three  instances  of  its  occurrence 

being  known,  these  all  based  upon  the  capture  of  specimens. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "have  one  taken  near  Auburn" 
(Pike) ;  Knox,  "a  specimen  was  taken  at  Thomaston  by  Chas.  A. 
Creightou"  (E.  Smith)  ;  Washington,  "accidental,  a  male  taken  here  in 
the  sixties"  (Boardman). 

Subgenus  YPHANTES  Vieillot. 

210.  (507).     Icterus  galbula  (Linn.).     Baltimore  Oriole. 

A  summer  resident  of  the  southern  and  western  part  of  the  state, 
where  it  is  quite  common,  while  in  the  eastern  and  northern  parts 
it  occurs  only  as  a  straggler. 

County  Records. — Androscoggiu,  "common  summer  resident"  (John- 
son) ;  Cumberland,  "common  summer  resident"  (Mead)  ;  Franklin,  "com- 
mon summer  resident"  (Swain)  ;  Hancock,  "summer  resident"  (Murch)  ; 
Kennebec,  "quite  common  summer  resident"  (Gardiner  Branch)  ;  Knox, 
"summer"  (Rackliff)  ;  Oxford,  "breeds  commonly"  (Nash)  ;  Penobscot, 
"common  summer  resident  of  the  southern  part  of  the  county  while  in 
the  northern  part  it  does  not  occur  to  my  knowledge"  (Knight)  ;  Piscat- 
aquis,  "not  common,  breeds"  (Homer) ;  Sagadahoc,  "rare,  three  speci- 
mens" (Spinney) ;  Somerset,  "common  summer  resident"  (Morrell) ; 
Waldo,  (Spratt)  ;  Washington,  "straggler"  (Boardmau)  ;  York,  "quite 
common  summer  resident"  (Adams). 

211.  (508).     Icterus  bullocki  (Swains.).     Bullock's  Oriole. 
This  western  bird  is  entitled  to  a  place  in  the   list  upon  the 

strength  of  a  specimen  taken  at  Sorrento,  Hancock  County,  and 
now  in  the  collection  of  Mr.  Manly  Hardy  of  Brewer.  What  is 
undoubtedly  this  same  specimen  is  recorded  by  Mr.  Brewster  in 
The  Auk,  Vol.  7,  p.  92,  although  he  erroneously  gives  the  locality  as 
"near  Bangor." 

Genus  SCOLECOPHAGUS  Swainson. 

212.  (509).     Scolecophagus  carolinus  (Mull.).     Rusty  Black- 
bird. 

A  common  migrant  of  general  occurrence,  while  in  the  extreme 
northern  counties  of  the  Canadian  fauna  it  breeds  to  some  extent. 
It  has  been  reported  as  nesting  in  the  Magalloway  region. 


BIRDS    OF    MAINE.  89 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  ''fairly  common  migrant"  (Johnson)  ; 
Cumberland,  "migrant"  (Mead) ;  Franklin,  "rare  sunmn'r  iv>i<lent,  speci- 
mens shot  late  in  June"  (Swain) ;  Kennebec,  (Larrabee) ;  Kuox, 
'•migrant'1  (Racklift);  Oxford,  (Xash)  ;  Peuobseot,  "common  migrant" 
(Knight);  Piscataquis,  "common  summer  resident"  (Homer) ;  Sagada- 
hoc,  "common  migrant"  (Spinney);  Somerset,  "common  migrant'' 
(Monvll  •• :  Waldo,  (Spratt)  ;  Washington,  "common  migrant  and  rare 
summer  resident"  (Boardmau). 

Genus  QUISCALUS  Vieillot. 
Subgenus  QUISCALUS. 

213.  (51  Ib).     Quiscalus  quiscula  ameus   (Ridgw.).     Bronzed 
Grackle. 

This  is  the  Purple  Grackle  of  previous  lists,  although  it  is  well 
to  emphasize  the  point  that  the  true  Purple  Grackle  has  never  been 
taken  in  the  state.  Previous  to  the  pointing  out  of  the  distinctive 
characteristics  of  the  Bronzed  Grackle,  all  these  birds  were  included 
under  the  above  named  species,  and  for  this  reason  it  has  been 
given  in  previous  lists  as  Purple  Grackle. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "fairly  common  summer  resident" 
(Johnson) ;  Aroostook,  "common  at  Fort  Fairfield"  (Batchelder,  Bull. 
Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  149);  Cumberland,  "common  summer  resi- 
dent" (Mead)  ;  Franklin,  "common  summer  resident"  (Swain)  ;  Han- 
cock, "summer  resident"  (Murch)  ;  Kennebec,  "rare  summer  resident" 
(Gardiner  Branch) ;  Knox,  "migrant"  (Rackliff) ;  Oxford,  "breeds 
rarely"  (Xash) ;  Penobscot,  "common  summer  resident"  (Knight) ; 
Piscataquis,  "common  summer  resident"  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "rare, 
three  specimens"  (Spinney) ;  Somerset,  "common  summer  resident*' 
(Morrell) ;  Washington,  "very  abundant  summer  resident"  (Boardman)  ; 
York,  (Adams). 

Family  FRINGILLID^E.     Finches,  Sparrows,  etc. 

Genus  COCCOTHRAUSTES  Brisson. 
Subgenus  HESPERIPHONA  Bonaparte. 

214.  (514).     Coccothraustes   vespertinus    (Coop.).     Evening 
Grosbeak. 

A  casual  visitor  from  the  west  which  was  recorded  from  a 
number  of  the  eastern  states  during  the  winter  of  1889-90,  when 
an  extensive  eastern  movement  of  these  birds  took  place. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "a  male  taken  on  the  Bates  College 
campus,  January  10th,  1890"  (Walter,  The  Birds  of  Androscoggin  County, 
p.  14);  Oxford,  "I  mounted  one  taken  at  Fryeburg"  (Xash); 


90  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

Penobscot,  uMr.  S.  L.  Crosby  has  seen  a  specimen  of  this  bird,  shot  in 
Brewer  in  the  winter  of  1889-90,  while  Geo.  P.  Shepheid  records  another 
specimen  from  Bangor,  taken  March  18,  1890,  while  a  companion  which 
it  had  escaped."  (For  this  last  Cf.  Shepherd,  The  Oologist,  May  1890, 
p.  86). 

Genus  PINICOLA  Vieillot. 

215.  (515).     Pinicola  enucleator  (Linn.).     Pine  Grosbeak. 
This  is  a  fairly  regular  winter  visitor  of  varyindg  abundance. 

During  the  winters  of  1895-96  and  1896-97  it  was  very  abundant. 
In  1893-94  none  of  these  birds  were  seen  near  Bangor,  and  they 
were  seemingly  equally  rare  throughout  the  state.  In  captivity 
these  birds  make  interesting  and  affectionate  pets,  and  the  song 
(both  sexes  sing  though  the  males  sing  more  frequently)  is, 
according  to  my  opinion,  far  sweeter  in  tone  than  that  of  the 
Canary.  It  is  interesting  to  note  that  while  in  nature  the  adult 
males  are  adorned  with  carmine  crown,  breast,  back,  and  upper 
tail  coverts,  this  color  changes  to  a  pale  orange  at  the  first  moult 
which  takes  place  in  captivity.  Young  males,  which  are  like  the 
females  in  general  appearance  during  the  first  year,  also  take  on 
this  orange  color  in  captivity,  instead  of  assuming  the  carmine 
garb  when  they  reach  maturity.  For  an  account  of  the  habits  of 
this  bird  in  captivity  see  Knight,  The  Auk,  Vol.  13,  pp.  21-24.  It 
is  a  rare  summer  resident  in  the  northern  and  eastern  counties  of 
the  Canadian  fauna. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "common  winter  visitant"  (John- 
son) ;  Cumberland,  "common  winter  migrant"  (Mead)  ;  Franklin,  "com- 
mon winter  resident''  (Swain)  ;  Hancock,  "irregular  winter  migrant"' 
(Murch)  ;  Keuuebec,  "common  winter  visitor"  (Gardiner  Branch)  ;  Knox, 
"winter"  (Rackliff) ;  Oxford,  "common  in  winter,  rare  in  summer" 
(Nash) ;  Penobscot,  "usually  common  in  winter,  and  especially  so  for 
the  last  two  seasons,  '96-'97"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "common  winter 
visitor"  (Homer) ;  Sagadahoc,  "irregularly  common  winter  visitor" 
(Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "irregularly  common  winter  resident"  (Morrell)  ; 
Waldo,  (Spratt)  ;  Washington,  "common  in  winter,  rare  summer  resi- 
dent" (Boardman)  ;  York,  "regular  winter  visitant"  (Adams). 

Genus  CARPODACUS  Kaup. 

216.  (517).     Carpodacus  purpureus  (GmeL).     Purple  Pinch. 
A  common  summer  and  rare  winter  resident  in  most  parts  of  the 

state.     While  this  species  seems  to  prefer  to  frequent  the  neigh- 


BIRDS    OF    .MA  INK.  91 

borhoocl  of  houses  in  the  settled  parts  of  the  state,  yet  in  the  back- 
woods I  have  seen  it  far  from  any  dwelling,  and  in  as  great 
abundance  as  it  occurs  elsewhere. 

County  Records.— Androscoggln,  "common  summer  resident"  (John- 
son) Aroostook,  "common  at  Fort  Fairtield"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Xutt. 
Oru.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  147) ;  Cumberland,  "common  summer  resident" 
(Mead),  "a  few  of  these  birds  wintered  about  Westbrook  and  Gorham 
through  *!)l-'92"  (Xortou)  ;Franklin, "common  summer  resident"  (Sw»iu)  ; 
Hancock,  "summer  resident''  (Murch) ;  Keunebec,  "rare  resident"  (Gar- 
diiit-r  Branch);  Kuox,  "summer"'  (Rackliff) ;  Oxford,  "breeds  com- 
monly" (Xash) ;  Peuobscot,  "common  summer  and  rare  winter  resident" 
(Knight);  I'Ucataquis,  "breeds,  resident  in  mild  winters"  (Homer); 
Sngadahoc,  "common  except  in  midwinter"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "quite 
common  summer  resident"  (Morrell) ;  Waldo,  (Spratt) ;  Washington, 
"abundant,  breeds"  (Boardman)  ;  York,  "common  migrant,  may  breed'' 
(Adams). 

Genus  LOXIA  Linmeus. 

217.  (521).  Loxia  curvirostra  minor  (Brehm).  American 
Crossbill. 

A  resident  species  but  not  found  in  any  one  place  in 
numbers  through  the  season.  The  Crossbills  are  among  the 
most  irregular  and  eccentric  of  birds,  breeding  at  almost 
any  season  of  the  year  and  in  any  part  of  the  state  where  the 
impulse  to  do  so  comes  to  them.  They  have  been  reported  breed - 
11112;  in  February  in  other  states.  At  Jackman  in  the  latter  part  of 
August,  1895,  Prof.  F.  L.  Harvey  and  myself  observed  old  birds 
feeding  their  young,  evidently  not  long  from  the  nest,  and  also  saw 
paired  birds  flying  about.  (Cf.  Knight,  The  Auk,  Vol.  12,  pp. 
390-91).  Mr.  Manly  Hardy  of  Brewer  also  informs  me  that  his 
sou  found  a  nest  in  June,  some  years  ago,  a  short  distance  back  of 
his  residence  in  the  above  named  city.  It  was  situated  in  a  juniper 
tree  and  was  taken  with  the  female  parent.  The  eggs  were  unfort- 
unately broken. 

County  Records.  — Androscoggin,  "fairly  common  winter  visitor" 
(Johnson);  Cumberland,  "common  winter  migrant"  (Mead);  Franklin, 
"common  resident"  (Kichards)  ;  Hancock,  "common  in  winter  and  I 
have  observed  it  on  Pickering's  Island  in  May  and  also  June"  (Knight) ; 
Keuuebec,  "very  rare  resident"  (Powers) ;  Knox,  "winter"  (Rackliff) ; 
Oxford,  "breeds"  (Xash) ;  Penobscot,  "irregularly  abundant,  I  have 
seen  the  species  every  month  of  the  year"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "com- 
mon in  winter"  (Homer) ;  Sagadahoc,  "irregularly  common  winter  visi- 


92  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

tor7'  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "irregular  winter  visitant"  (Morrell)  ;  Waldo, 
"seen  in  May"  (Knight)  ;  Washington,  "uncertain,  some  winters  abun- 
dant, breeds  in  winter"  (Boardman)  ;  York,  "migrant"  (Adams). 

218.  (522).     Loxia   leuooptera    Gmel.     White-winged  Cross- 
bill. 

A  resident  species  of  much  rarer  occurrence  than  the  preceding 
and  more  liable  to  occur  in  winter.  It  seemingly  nests  exclusively 
in  winter,  as  it  has  not  been  reported  breeding  in  summer  like  the 
American  Crossbill.  Much  still  remains  unknown  regarding  the 
life  histories  of  our  Crossbills.  The  two  species  often  occur  in  the 
same  flock  though  leucoptera  always  occurs  least  abundantly.  Said 
to  be  common  all  the  year,  about  the  lumber  camps  with  the  pre- 
ceding. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "rare  winter  visitor"  (Johnson)  ; 
Cumberland,  "rare  winter  migrant"  (Mead)  ;  Franklin,  "common  winter 
resident"  (Richards)  ;  Kennebec,  "very  rare  resident"  (Powers)  ;  Knox, 
(Rackliff)  ;  Oxford,  "breeds  rarely"  (Nash)  ;  Penobscot,  "usually  very 
rare  but  often  sporadically  common,  has  been  taken  in  late  April' 
(Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "winter  visitor,  some  winters  common"  (Homer)  ; 
Sagadahoc,  "not  common"  (Spinney) ;  Washington,  uncertain,  some 
winters  common,  breeds  in  winter"  (Boardman). 

Genus  ACANTHIS  Bechstein. 

219.  (527a).     Acanthis  hornemannii  exilipes  (Coues).  Hoary 
Redpoll. 

Dr.  Brewer  referred  this  species  to  eastern  Maine  (Cf.  Brewer, 
Proc.  Boston  Soc.  Nat.  Hist.  Vol.  17,  1875,  p.  441),  but  no  evi- 
dence is  there  adduced  to  prove  its  occurrence.  Verrill  also  men- 
tions it  in  his  list,  but  without  citation  of  the  grounds  upon  which 
he  admits  it  to  the  list.  The  first  authentic  record  of  this  bird 
having  been  taken  in  the  state  is  given  in  the  Proceedings  of  the 
Portland  Society  of  Natural  History  for  April  1,  1897,  by  Mr.  A. 
H.  Norton  who  writes  :  "A  specimen  of  this  rare  bird  was  taken 
at  Westbrook,  Maine,  January  26,  1896.  It  was  in  a  flock  com- 
posed chiefly  of  common  Redpolls  and  Pine  Siskins,  with  a  few 
Greater  Redpolls  intermingled.  It  is  a  female,  apparently  not  fully 
mature."  While  it  is  quite  probable  that  the  species  in  question  is 


NOTE— Amadina  rubronigra,  an  African  species  of  Finch,  has  once  been  taken 
in  Maine  though  it  was  beyond  doubt  an  escaped  cage  bird.  (Cf.  Allen,  Bull. 
Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  5,  p.  120).  Not  knowing  its  proper  place  in  the  classification 
I  give  it  here. 


I'.IKDS    OF     MAINK.  93 

of  regular  occurrence  ID  winter,  we   have  at  present  no  evidence 
that  such  is  the  case. 

220.      (528).     Acauthis  linaria  (Linn.).     Redpoll. 

A  winter  resident  of  irregular  abundance  throughout  the  stair, 
and  also  a  rare  summer  resident  near  Calais.  Flocks  of  from  10 
to  300  individuals  may  often  be  seen  feeding  on  the  seeds  of  alders, 
junipers,  or  various  weeds  by  the  roadsides  and  in  the  fields. 
Probably  all  four  of  the  varieties  sometimes  occur  in  one  flock. 

County  Records. — Androscoggiu,  "common  winter  visitor"  (Johnson)  ; 
Cumberland,  "common  winter  migrant*7  (Mead)  ;  Frankliu,  "irregularly 
abundant  winter  visitor"  (Lee  and  McLain)  ;  Hancock,  "winter  resident" 
(Dorr);  Kenuebec,  "quite  common  winter  visitor"  (Powers);  Kuox, 
"winter"  (Rackliff) ;  Oxford,  "visitant"  (Nash) ;  Peuobscot,  "irregu- 
larly abundant  winter  resident"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "common  winter 
visitor"  (Homer) ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  spring  and  fall"  (Spinney) ; 
Somerset,  "common  winter  resident"  (Morrell)  ;  Waldo,  (Spratt) ;  Wash- 
ington, "common  winters,  also  summer  resident"  (Boardman) ;  York, 
"migrant"  (Adams). 

-I'll.  (528  a).  Acanthis  linaria  holbcellii  (Brehm).  Holboell's 
Redpoll. 

The  first  Maine  and  fifth  eastern  example  of  this  bird  is  a  male 
which  was  taken  at  North  Bridgton,  Cumberland  County,  on 
November  25,  1878,  by  Mr.  J.  C.  Mead,  who  reports  that  it 'was 
in  company  with  a  flock  of  A.  linaria.  Mr.  Mead  sent  the  speci- 
men to  me  along  with  a  number  of  A.  linaria  for  identification, 
and  upon  submitting  it  to  Messrs.  Brewster  and  Ridgway  they 
agreed  in  referring  it  to  this  race.  Mr.  Mead  has  since  very  gen- 
erously presented  the  specimen  to  me,  and  it  now  occupies  a  prom- 
inent place  in  my  cabinet.  The  only  other  eastern  examples 
recorded  are  one  from  Quebec  (Ridgway),  and  three  from  Massa- 
chusetts (Brewster),  but  it  may  occur  far  more  regularly  than 
these  records  would  indicate. 

•2-2-2.  (528b).  Acanthis  linaria  rostrata  (Cones).  Greater 
Redpoll. 

The  first  published  record  of  the  occurrence  of  this  species  in  the 
state  is  given  by  Prof.  Wm.  L.  Powers  in  the  Maine  Sportsman 
for  February,  1897,  p.  9.  This  relates  to  a  specimen  shot  by  him 
at  Gardiner,  Keunebec  County,  on  December  30,  1896.  Mr.  Fred 
Rackliff  of  Spruce  Head  has  in  his  possession  a  specimen  taken  in 


94  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

Knox  County.  It  remained  for  Mr.  A.  PI.  Norton  to  show  that  this 
subspecies  occurred  abundantly  near  Westbrook  in  189j|f.  In  the 
proceedings  of  the  Portland  Society  of  Natural  History  for  April 
1897,  p.  104,  he  writes:  "This  large  dark  form  was  abundant  in 
Westbrook  during  the  months  of  January  and  February,  189^. 
It  was  first  observed  January  26,  when  it  was  less  numerous  than 
true  linaria  with  which  it  was  constantly  associated.  Its  numbers 
were  augmented  by  new  arrivals,  and  on  February  2nd  it  was  the 
prevailing  form.  On  the  8th  of  the  month  no  Redpolls  could  be 
found.  A  return  movement  was  soon  noticed  with  constant  increase 
in  numbers  until  March  loth.  Rostrata,  was  not  observed  after 
February  27th."  From  this  we  may  safely  say  that  this  race  is 
likely  to  occur  commonly  in  winter. 

Genus  SPINUS  Koch. 

223.  (529).     Spinus  tristis  (Linn.).     American  Goldfinch. 

A  common  summer  resident  throughout  the  state  and  also  of  not 
infrequent  occurrence  in  winter.  This  species  is  commonly  known 
as  Yellow  Bird,  Wild  Canary,  and  Thistle  Bird. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "common  summer  resident"  (John- 
son);  Aroostook,  "common  at  Fort  Fairfield"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Nutt. 
Oru.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  147)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  resident"  (Mead)  ; 
Franklin,  "common  summer  resident,  sometimes  in  winter"  (Lee  and 
McLain)  ;  Hancock,  "summer  resident"  (Murch)  ;  Kennebec,  "common 
resident"  (Gardiner  Branch) ;  Knox,  "summer"  (Rackliff) ;  Oxford, 
"common,  breeds"  (Nash)  ;  Penobscot,  "common  in  summer  and  rare 
winters"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "common,  often  resident"  (Homer) ; 
Sagadahoc,  "common  summer  resident"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "common 
resident"  (Morrell)  ;  Waldo,  (Spratt)  ;  Washington,  "abundant,  breeds' * 
(Boardman)  ;  York,  "breeds"  (Adams). 

224.  (533).     Spinus  pinus  (  Wils.).     Pine  Siskin. 

A  common  migrant  in  the  fall,  often  sporadically  abundant,  and 
somewhat  rarer  in  winter.  It  is  a  resident  species  in  those  parts  of 
the  state  which  are  within  the  Canadian  fauna. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "rare  winter  visitor"  (Call)  ;  Aroos- 
took, "seen  at  Sherman  in  June"  (Knight)  ;  Cumberland,  "common 
migrant,  one  nest  taken"  (Mead) ;  Franklin,  "common  resident" 
(Swain) ;  Hancock,  "migrant"  (Knight) ;  Kennebec,  "very  rare" 
(Dill)  ;  Knox,  "winter  visitant"  (Rackliff)  ;  Oxford,  "breeds"  (Nash) ; 
Penobscot,  "common  in  fall,  rare  in  winter  and  summer"  (Knight) ;  Pis- 
cataquis, "rare  summer  resident"  (Whitman),  "common  winter  resident" 


P.IKP8    OF    MAINE.  95 

V 

(Homer);  Somerset,  "very  irregular,  sometimes  summer  r«->id«Mit" 
Waldo,  "rare"  (Spratt);  Washington,  "winter  visitant, 
summer  resident"  (Boardman). 


Genus  PLECTROPHENAX  Stejneger. 
225.      (534).     Plectropheuax  nivalis  (Linn.).     Snowflake. 

Winter  resident,  everywhere  abundant.  These  birds  may  be 
found  in  flocks  running  along  the  country  roads,  seeking  for  the 
undigested  seeds  in  horse  droppings.  They  also  feed  on  various 
seeds  in  the  fields  and  meadows,  and  are  especially  likely  to  be 
found  about  manure  heaps  in  the  rear  of  barns,  when  the  snow  has 
covered  all  other  sources  of  food. 

County  Records.  —  Androscoggiu,  "common  winter  visitor"  (Johnson)  ; 
<  umberland,  "common  winter  visitor"  (Mead);  Franklin,  "winter  vis- 
itor" (Swain)  ;  Hancock,  "winter  resident"  (Dorr)  ;  Kennebec,  "common 
winter  resident"  (Gardiner  Branch)  ;  Knox,  "winter"  (Rackliff);  Oxford, 
"visitant"  (Xash)  ;  Penobscot,  "common  November  to  April  and  often 
very  abundant"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "common  winter  visitor" 
(Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  fall,  spring  and  winter"  (Spinney)  ; 
Somerset,  "common  winter  resident"  (Morrell)  ;  Waldo,  (Spratt)  ;  Wash- 
ington, "winter  visitant"  (Boardman)  ;  York,  "common"  (Adams). 

Genus  CALCARIUS  Bechstein. 

220.  (536).  Calcarius  lapponicus  (Linn.).  Lapland  Long- 
spur. 

An  irregular  and  rare  winter  visitor  from  the  north. 

County  Records.  —  Cumberland,  "very  rare  winter  resident"  (Brown's 
Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  13)  ;  Knox,  "I  have  a  specimen  taken  at  St. 
George"  (Norton)  ;  Oxford,  "visitant"  (Xash)  ;  Piscataquis,  "rare" 
(Homer)  ;  Washington,  aver}r  rare"  (Boardman). 

227.  (538).  Calcarius  ornatus  (Towns.).  Chestnut-collared 
Longspur. 

A  straggler  from  the  west  and  of  purely  accidental  occurrence. 
specimen   was   taken    at   Scarborough.    Cumberland   County., 
LUgust  13,  1886.      (Cf.  Goodale,  The  Auk,  Vol.  4,  p.  77). 

Genus  POOC^ETES  Baird. 

•J2.S.     (540).     Poocsetes  gramiueiis  (Gmel.).  Vesper  Sparrow. 

This  bird  is  commonly  known  to  rural  observers  as  Grass  Finch. 
[t  is  common  as  a  summer  resident  of  fields  and  grassy  meadows 
:hroughout  the  state. 


96  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "common  summer  resident"  (John- 
sou)  ;  Aroostook,  "common  at  Fort  Fairfield"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Nutt. 
Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  148);  Cumberland,  "common  summer  resident" 
(Mead) ;  Franklin,  "common  summer  resident"  (Swain) ;  Hancock, 
"summer  resident"  (Murch)  ;  Kennebec,  "abundant  summer  resident" 
(Gardiner  Branch) ;  Knox,  "summer"  (Rackliff) ;  Oxford,  "common 
summer  resident"  (Johnson)  ;  Penobscot,  "common  summer  resident" 
(Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "common,  breeds"  (Homer) ;  Sagadahoc,  "com- 
mon summer  resident"  (Spinney);  Somerset,  "quite  common  summer 
resident"  (Morrell)  ;  Waldo,  (Spratt)  ;  Washington,  "abundant  summer 
resident"  (Boardman)  ;  York,  "abundant  summer  resident"  (Adams). 

Genus  AMMODRAMUS  Swainson. 
Subgenus  PASSERCULUS  Bonaparte. 

229.  (541).     Ammodramus  princeps  (Mayn.).    Ipswich  Spar- 
row. 

A  somewhat  rare  migrant  along  the  coast.  This  bird  has  at 
present  only  been  known  to  breed  on  Sable  Island,  Nova  Scotia, 
while  elsewhere  it  occurs  as  a  migrant  or  in  winter.  Its  habits, 
nest,  eggs,  etc.,  are  very  minutely  described  by  Dr.  Dwight.  (Cf. 
D wight,  The  Ipswich  Sparrow  and  Its  Summer  Home,  Memoirs 
of  the  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  No.  2). 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "transient,  rare  in  spring,  common  in 
autumn,  confined  to  the  seashore"  (Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p- 
13) ;  Knox,  "rare  migrant"  (Rackliff) ;  Sagadahoc,  "one  specimen  in 
spring"  (Spinney). 

230.  (542  a).     Ammodramus  sandwichensis  savanna  (Wils.). 
Savanna  Sparrow. 

A  common  summer  resident  of  most  parts  of  the  state.  I  have 
found  it  especially  abundant  on  many  of  the  grassy  islands  along 
the  coast. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "fairly  common  summer  resident" 
(Johnson)  ;  Aroostook,  "common  at  Fort  Fairfield"  (Batchelder,  Bull. 
Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  148)  ;  Cumberland,  "rare  near  Bridgton" 
(Mead),  "abundant  summer  resident"  (Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Portland, 
p.  13) ;  Franklin,  "common  summer  resident"  (Richards) ;  Hancock, 
"common  summer  resident  especially  on  the  islands"  (Knight);  Kenne- 
bec, "abundant  summer  resident"  (Gardiner  Branch)  ;  Knox,  "summer'' 
(Rackliff) ;  Lincoln,  "common  on  the  islands"  (Xorton) ;  Oxford, 
"fairly  common  summer  resident"  (Johnson) ;  Peuobscot,  "common 
summer  resident"  (Knight) ;  Piscataquis,  "common,  breeds" 
(Homer) ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  summer  resident"  (Spinney) ; 


HIKDS    OK     MAINE.  '.1 7 

•:-«i.-r.  %v>>in;n<Mi  siimmcr  ivsHfiit"  ( Morrell)  ;  Waldo,  "common 
Puniin»M%  rc-i'l«Mit"  (Knight);  Washington,  ''abundant  -UIIIIIKT  resident*' 
(Boardman). 

Subgenus  COTURNICULUS  Bonaparte. 

2:51.  (.Vli1.).  Aimno'lramus  savannannn  passeriuus  (Wit*.). 
Grasshopper  Sparrow. 

An  accidental  visitor  from  the  south  of  which  there  is  only  one 
record  for  the  state.  Mr.  Boardman  reports  it  as  very  rare  or  acci- 
dental at  Calais,  Washington  County.  (Cf.  Boardman,  Proc. 
Bost.  Soc.  Nat.  Hist.,  Vol.  9,  p.  126). 

Subgenus  AMMODKAMUS. 

232.  (549.)       Ammodramus    caudacutus     (Gmel.).       Sharp- 
tailed  Sparrow. 

A  summer  resident  along  the  southern  coast.  Nathan  Clifford 
Brown  fouud  this  species  at  Scarboro  late  in  October,  1876.  (Cf . 
Brown,  Bull.  Niitt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  2.  p.  27  ;  Vol.  3,  p.  98).  During 
1879  he  found  them  there  in  the  summer  and  apparently  breeding. 
(Cf.  Brown,  Bull.  Nut.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  5,  p.  52).  In  a  recent  paper 
on  "The  Sharp-tailed  Finches  of  Maine,"  A.  H.  Norton  says: 
''Though  search  has  now  been  made,  it  has  not  been  found  farther 
to  the  north  than  Scarboro,  Maine,  and  the  physical  features  of 
the  coast  are  such  as  to  suggest  the  improbability  of  the  normal 
range  extending  beyond  this  town."  (Cf.  Norton,  Proc.  Port. 
Soc.  Nat.  Hist.,  Vol.  2,  March  15,  1897,  p.  99).  It  has  been 
recorded  from  Cumberland  County  only. 

233.  (549a).     Ammodramus  caudacutus  nelsoni   Allen.     Nel- 
son's Sparrow.     Admitted  on  Mr.  Norton's  excellent   authority  as 
follows:   "This  bird,  an  inhabitant  during  the  breeding  season  of 
the  valleys  of  the  Preat  Lakes,   Upper  Mississippi,    Red  River  of 
the  North,  and  portions  of   Missouri,  is  now  added  to  the  fauna  of 
Maine    on    the    strength    of    two    specimens    taken    at    Scarboro, 
October  16th,  1894.     It  is  likely  to  be  found  in  numbers  all  along 
the  Maine  coast."     (Cf.   Norton,    Proc.    Port.    Soc.    Nat.    Hist., 
L897,  p.  99).    He  also  says  that  specimens  have  been  taken  within 
the  habitat  of  natylawitu*  near  the  breeding  season,  but  there  is  no 
proof  they  were  breeding. 


98  BIRDS    OP    MAINE. 

234.  (549b).     Ammodramus  caudacutus   stibvirgatus  Divight. 
Acadian  Sharp-tailed  Sparrow. 

First  taken  in  the  state  at  Scarboro,  Cumberland  County  in 
October,  1879.  (Cf.  Dwight,  The  Auk,  Vol.  4,  p.  237).  I  will 
here  again  quote  from  Mr.  Norton's  paper,  cited  previously,  which  is 
authoritative  on  the  status  of  these  Finches  in  the  state.  He 
says:  "It  therefor  gives  me  much  pleasure  to  have  the  privilege 
of  introducing  this  bird  as  a  summer  resident  on  our  coast,  breed- 
ing in  fair  numbers  as  far  to  the  southwestward  as  Small  Point, 
Sagadahoc  County.  Here  I  observed  them  August  7,  1896,  at 
which  date  they  were  still  engaged  in  their  domestic  duties.  The 
males  were  in  full  song,  and  in  particular  spots  were  to  be  heard 
quite  constantly,  a  fact  that  I  found  to  be  of  much  importance  in 
finding  them,  even  while  in  their  very  midst."  (Cf.  Norton,  ibid, 
p.  100).  I  regret  that  lack  of  space  forbids  me  citing  more  of 
this  extremely  interesting  paper.  Mr.  Boardmau  writes  me  that 
he  has  taken  a  Sharp-tailed  Sparrow  near  Calais,  Washington 
County.  It  is  probably  referable  to  this  subspecies  which  un- 
doubtedly occurs  along  our  entire  eastern  coast  as  a  summer  resi- 
dent. 

235.  (550).     Ammodramus      maritimus       (Wils.).       Seaside 
Sparrow. 

Of  purely  accidental  occurrence  as  a  straggler  from  the  south, 
a  specimen  having  been  taken  at  Shark  Island.  (Cf.  Smith, 
Forest  and  Stream,  December  18,  1884,  p.  405). 

Genus  ZONOTRICHIA  Swainson. 

236.  (554).        Zonotrichia     leucophrys      (Forst.).        White- 
crowned  Sparrow. 

A  fairly  common  migrant  of  quite  general  distribution. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "fairly  eoramou  migrant"  (Johnson)  ; 
Cumberland,  "common  migrant"  (Mead) ;  Franklin,  "rare  migrant" 
(Richards);  Hancock,  "rare'"  (Murch)  ;  Kennebec,  "rare  migrant"  (Lar- 
rabee)  ;  Kuox  (Rackliff  )  ;  Oxford,  "visitant"  (Nash)  ;  Penobscot,  "fairly 
rare  migrant"  (Knight) ;  Piscataquis,  "common  migrant"  (Homer) ; 
Somerset,  "rare  migrant"  (Morrell)  ;  Washington,  "very  rare"  (Board- 
man)  ;  York,  "migrant"  (Adams). 

237.  (558).     Zouotrichia  albicollis  (  Gmel. ) .      White- throated 
Sparrow. 


r,mi>s  <>i    .MAINK.  99 


A  common  summer  resident  of  those  counties  within  the  Cana- 
dian fauna,  while  in  the  migrations  it  is  abundant  everywhere. 
It  is  commonly  known  as  Peabody  Bird  from  its  well  known  spring 
cull  which  sounds  as  if  it  were  whistling  ''come,  come,  sow  }*our 
pea,  sow  your  pea,  sow  your  pea." 

County  Records.  —  Androscoggin,  "fairly  common  summer  resident" 
(Johnson)  ;  Aroostook,  "abundant  at  Fort  Fairfield,  nests"  (Batchelder, 
Bull.  Xutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  148)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  summer 
resident"  (M>ad)  :  Franklin,  "common  summer  resident"  (Swain)  ;  Han- 
cock, "summer  resident,  common  on  the  wooded  islauds"(Kuight)  ;  Keuue- 
bec,  "quite  common  summer  resident"  (Gardiner  Branch)  ;  Kuox,  "sum- 
mer'' (Rackliff);  Oxford,  "common  breeder"  (Nash);  Penobscot, 
"abundant  migrant,  common  summer  resident"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis, 
"common,  breeds"  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  migrant"  (Spinney)  ; 
Somerset,  "common  summer  resident"  (Morrell)  ;  Waldo,  "common  sum- 
mer resident"  (Knight)  ;  Washington,  "abundant  summer  resident" 
(Boardmau)  ;  York,  "migrant"  (Adams). 

Genus  SPIZELLA  Bonaparte. 

238.  (559).     Spizella  monticola  (Gmel).     Tree  Sparrow. 

A  common  migrant  in  fall  and  spring,  while  it  is  not  rare  to  find 
specimens  of  this  bird  wintering  in  suitable  localities  throughout 
the  state. 

County  Records.  —  Audroscoggiu,  "common  migrant"  (Johnson)  ;  Cum- 
berland, "common  migrant"  (Mead),  "rather  common  winter  resident" 
(Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  14)  ;  Franklin,  "common  winter 
resident''  (Richards);  Hancock,  "migrant"  (Murch)  ;  Keunebec, 
"quite  common"  (Gardiner  Branch);  Kuox,  "winter"  (Racklift); 
Oxford,  (Xash);  Penobscot,  "common  migrant,  have  taken  specimens  iu 
January"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "winter  visitor"  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc, 
(Sprutt)  ;  Somerset,  "common  winter  resident,  most  abundant  in  fall 
and  spring"  (Morrell)  ;  Waldo,  (Spratt)  ;  Washington,  "only  in  migra- 
tions" (Boardman)  ;  York,  "migrant"  (Adams). 

239.  (560).     Spizella  socialis  (  Wils.  ).     Chipping  Sparrow. 

A  common  and  in  some  localities  abundant  summer  resident.  It 
was  rightly  named  socicdis,  as  it  seems  to  prefer  to  frequent  the 
neighborhood  of  dwellings  when  it  is  possible  to  do  so,  although  I 
have  found  the  species  nesting  quite  a  distance  from  any  house. 
It  is  commonly  known  as  Chippy  and  Hair  Bird,  this  latter  name 
being  due  to  the  fact  that  it  almost  invariably  lines  its  nest  with 
hair. 


100  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

County  Records. — Audroscoggin,  "abundant  summer  resident"  (John- 
son) ;  Aroostook,  "rather  common  at  Fort  Fail-field"  (Batchelder,  Bull. 
Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  148)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  summer  resi- 
dent" (Mead)  ;  Franklin,  "common  summer  resident"  (Swain)  ;  Hancock, 
"summer  resident"  (Murch)  ;  Kennebec,  "quite  common  summer  resi- 
dent" (Gardiner  Branch);  Knox,  "summer"  (Rackliff);  Oxford,  "com- 
mon breeder"  (Nash) ;  Penobscot,  "abundant  summer  resident" 
(Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "common,  breeds"  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "com- 
mon summer  resident"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "common  summer  resident" 
(Morrell) ;  Waldo.  (Spratt) ;  Washington,  "very  abundant  summer 
resident"  (Boardman)  ;  York,  "abundant"  (Adams). 

240.  (563)  .     Spizella  pusilla  (  Wils.).     Field  Sparrow. 

Occurs  as  an  uncommon  summer  resident  of  the  Alleghanian 
fauna,  while  in  the  counties  of  the  Canadian  it  is  very  rare  or  acci- 
dental. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "fairly  common  summer  resident" 
(Call)  ;  Cumberland,  "uncommon  summer  resident"  (Brown's  Cat.  Birds 
of  Portland,  p.  14),  "not  common"  (Mead);  Franklin,  "rare  summer 
resident"  (Swain) ;  Kennebec,  "summer  resident"  (Larrabee) ;  Knox, 
"summer"  (Norton) ;  Oxford,  "breeds"  (Nash) ;  Sagadahoc,  "rare" 
(Spratt)  ;  York,  "not  common  summer  resident"  (Adams.) 

Genus  JUNCO  Wagler. 

241.  (567).     Junco  hyemalis  (Linn.).     Slate-colored  Junco. 
A  common  summer  resident  within  the  Canadian  fauna,  while 

elsewhere  it  is  of  common  occurrence  as  a  migrant,  and  also  to  a 
limited  extent  as  a  winter  resident.  Known  to  many  under  the 
name  of  Black  Snowbird. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "abundant  migrant,  rare  summer 
resident"  (Johnson)  ;  Aroostook,  "common  at  Fort  Fairlield"  (Batchel- 
der, Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  148)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  sum- 
mer resident"  (Mead),  "abundant  transient,  uncommon  summer  resident, 
occasionally  found  throughout  the  winter"  (Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Port- 
land, p.  14) ;  Franklin,  "common  resident"  (Swain)  ;  Hancock,  "summer 
resident"  (Knight)  ;  Kennebec,  "abundant"  (Gardiner  Branch)  ;  Knox, 
"resident"  (Rackliff)  ;  Oxford,  "common  breeder"  (Nash);  Penobscot, 
"abundant  migrant,  not  uncommon  resident"  (Knight);  Piscataquis, 
"common,  breeds"  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  (Spratt)  ;  Somerset,  "common 
migrant,  possibly  summer  resident"  (Morrell)  ;  Waldo,  "summer  resi- 
dent" (Spratt)  ;  Washington,  "very  abundant  summer  resident"  (Board- 
man) ;  York,  "common  migrant,  a  aest  found  in  '82"  (Adams). 


BIRDS  OF  MAIM:. 


101 


Genus  MELOSPIZA  Baird. 

'2 -['2.     (581).     Melospiza  fasciata  (Gmel.).     Song  Sparrow. 

An  abundant  summer  resident  everywhere,  both  on  the  islands 
of  the  coast  and  throughout  the  interior.  Specimens  have  been 
taken  in  winter,  but  it  is  doubtful  if  the  species  is  a  regular  winter 
resident,  even  in  the  extreme  southern  counties. 

County  Records. — Androscoggiu,  "abundant  summer  resident"  (John- 
son) ;  Aroostook,  ucommon  at  Sherman"  (Knight) ;  Cumberland,  "com- 
mon summer  resident"  (Mead)  ;  Franklin,  "common  summer  resident" 
(Swain) ;  Hancock,  "summer  resident,  common  on  the  islands"  (Knight) ; 
Kennebec,  "quite  common  summer  resident"  (Gardiner  Branch) ;  Kuox, 
"summer  resident"  (Racklift);  Oxford,  "breeds  commonly"  (Nash); 
Penobscot,  "common  in  summer,  have  seen  it  in  February"  (Knight)  ; 
Piscataquis,  "common,  breeds"  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  sunnm-i 
resident"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "common  summer  resident"  (Morrell) ; 
Waldo,  "summer  resident"  (Spratt)  ;  Washington,  "very  abundant  sum- 
mer resident"  (Boardman) ;  York,  "common  summer  resident"  (Adam*) . 

243.  (583).     Melospiza  lincoluii  (And.).     Lincoln's  Sparrow. 
A  rare  spring  and  fall  migrant  which  probably  occurs  throughout 

the  state.  Owing  to  its  resemblance  to  the  Song  Sparrow,  it  is 
liable  to  escape  detection  by  being  mistaken  for  this  species.  A 
female  specimen  was  shot  at  Westbrook,  Cumberland  County,  Sep- 
tember 20,  1896,  by  Arthur  H.  Norton.  Mr.  Boardmau  gives  it 
as  rare  for  Washington  County  and  occurring  in  spring  only. 

244.  (584).     Melospiza  georgiana  (Lath.).     Swamp  Sparrow. 
A  fairly  common  summer  resident  of  quite  general   distribution, 

but  very  likely  to  escape  observation  on  account  of  its  general 
resemblance  to  the  other  Sparrows. 

County  Records. — Androscoggiu,  "fairly  common  summer  resident" 
(Johnson)  ;  Aroostook,  "not  common  at  Houltou"  (Batchelder,  Bull. 
Xutt.  Oru.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  148) ;  Cumberland,  "common  summer  resi- 
dent" (Mead) ;  Franklin,  "quite  common  summer  resident"  (Lee  and 
McLaiu) ;  Kennebec,  "rare"  (Gardiner  Branch) ;  Kuox,  "summer" 
(Racklift) ;  Oxford,  "rare  summer  resident"  (Johnson) ;  Penobscot, 
"summer  resident,  commoner  than  one  would  believe  from  the  very  few 
specimens  taken"  (Knight) ;  Somerset,  "common  summer  resident" 
(Morrell) :  Washington,  "not  uncommon  summer  resident"  (Boardman) ; 
York,  "not  common  migrant"  (Adams). 


102  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

Genus  PASSERELLA  Swainson. 

245.      (585).     Passerella  iliaca  (Merr.).     Fox  Sparrow. 

Of  quite  general  and  common  occurrence  as  a  fall  and  spring 
migrant.  This  is  the  handsomest  of  our  Sparrows  and  bears  a  not 
distant  superficial  resemblance  to  the  Thrushes.  At  first  glance 
I  have  often  mistaken  one  of  these  birds  for  a  Thrush,  and  it  needed 
the  second  look  to  convince  me  of  my  mistake.  They  greatly  love  to 
scratch  about  among  dead  leaves  and  other  fallen  rubbish,  while 
the  noise  thus  produced  is  worthy  of  a  larger  bird.  While  hunting 
in  the  fall  I  have  often  mistaken  the  scratching  of  this  bird  among 
the  leaves  for  a  Grouse  running  along,  and  my  gun  would  leap  to 
my  shoulder  before  the  mistake  in  the  identity  of  the  noise  pro- 
ducer was  discovered. 

County  Eecords. — Androscoggin,  "common  migrant"  (Johnson)  ;  Cum- 
berland, "common  migrant"  (Mead)  ;  Franklin,  "rare  migrant"  (Swain)  ; 
Kennebec,  "very  rare  migrant"  (Powers)  ;  Knox,  "migrant"  (Rackliff) ; 
Oxford,  "migrant,  very  common"  (Nash) ;  Penobscot,  "common 
migrant"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "common  migrant"  (Homer)  ;  Sagada- 
hoc,  "common  spring  migrant"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "common  migrant" 
(Morrell) ;  Washington,  "fall  and  spring"  (Boardman) ;  York,  "not 
very  common  migrant"  (Adams). 

Genus  PIPILO  Vieillot. 

246.  (587).     Pipilo  erythrophthalmus  (Linn.).     Towhee. 

A  somewhat  common  summer  resident  of  those  countries  within 
Alleghaniau  fauna,  while  elsewhere  in  the  state  it  is  of  rare  or 
casual  occurrence. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "rare  summer  resident"  (Johnson)  ; 
Cumberland,  "rare"  (Mead)  ;  Oxford,  "breeds  commonly"  (Nash)  ;  Sag- 
adahoc,  "common  summer  resident"  (Spinney)  ;  York,  "very  abundant" 
(Adams). 

Genus  CARDINALIS  Bonaparte. 

247.  (593).     Cardinalis  cardinalis  (Linn.).     Cardinal. 

It  is  highly  probable  that  all  of  this  species  which  have  been 
taken  in  the  state  are  escaped  cage  birds,  but  at  the  same  time  the 
fact  that  Cardinals  have  been  taken  in  a  state  of  freedom  entitles 
them  to  be  represented  in  the  list.  Prof.  Powers  of  Gardiner 
writes  that  one  of  these  birds  was  shot  from  a  flock  of  three,  in  that 
vicinity,  in  1896.  In  response  to  further  queries  on  my  part,  he 


r.IRDS    OF    MAIXK.  103 

positively  states  that  the  specimen  showed  no  signs  of  having  been 
a  caged  bird.  Smith's  List  also  gives  this  species  a  place  as  a 
straggler  or  escaped  cage  bird.  Whatever  the  manner  of  its  occur- 
rence, it  must  rank  as  an  accidental  visitor  to  the  state,  being 
purely  a  bird  of  the  Carolinian  fauna. 

Genus  ZAMELODIA  Cones. 

:MS.  (595).  Zamelodia  ludoviciaua  (Linn.).  Rose-breasted 
Grosbeak. 

A  rare  summer  resident  of  the  eastern  parts  of  the  state,  while 
elsewhere  it  is  common,  or  even  quite  abundant  in  some  localities. 

County  Records.  —  Androscoggin,  "fairly  common  summer  resident" 
(Johnson)  ;  Aroostook,  "rather  common  at  Fort  Fairfield"  (Batchelder, 
Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  148)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  summer 
ivsMi-iit"  (Mead)  ;  Franklin,  "common  summer  resident''  (Richards); 
Hancock,  "rare*"  (Dorr)  ;  Keuuebec,  "common  summer  resident''  (Gar- 
diner Branch);  Knox,  "rare  migrant"  d'acklift');  Oxford,  "common 
breeder"  (Nash)  ;  Penobscot,  "regular  but  rare  summer  resident" 
(Knight);  Piscataquis,  "not  uncommon,  breeds"  (Homer);  Sagadahoc, 
"tivo  specimens"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "not  common  summer  resident" 
(Morn-ID:  Waldo,  (Spratt)  ;  Washington,  "rare  summer  resident" 
(IJoardman)  ;  York,  "quite  abundant"  (Adams). 


PASSERINA  Vieillot. 
249.      (598).     Passerina  cyanea  (Linn.).     Indigo  Bunting. 
A  not  uncommon  summer  resident  of  quite   general  distribution 
within  our  limits. 

County  Records.  —  Audroscoggin,  "fairly  common  summer  resident" 
(Johnson)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  summer  resident"  (Mead)  ;  Frank- 
lin, "common  summer  resident"  (Swain)  ;  Hancock,  "summer  resident" 
(Dorr)  ;  Keunebec,  "common  summer  resident"  (Gardiner  Branch)  ; 
Knox.  "rare  migrant"  (Rackliff)  ;  Oxford,  "fairly  common  summer  resi- 
dent" (Johnson)  ;  Penobscot,  "not  very  common  summer  resident" 
(  Knight)  ;  Piscataquis.  "summer  resident,  not  common"  (Homer)  ;  Sag- 
adahoc,  "not  common,  seen  in  June"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "rare  sum- 
mer resident"  (Morrell)  ;  Washington,  "not  uncommon  summer  resident" 
(Boardmau)  ;  York,  "quite  abundant,  breeds"  (Adams). 

Genus  SPIZA  Bonaparte. 

2.~>0.     (604).     Spiza  americana  (GmeL).     Dickcissel. 
Of  purely  accidental  occurrence  as  a  straggler  from  the  south. 
A  specimen  taken  October  10,  1888,  is  recorded  from  Westbrook, 


104  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

Cumberland  County,  by  Mr.  Norton.  (Cf.  Norton,  The  Auk,  Vol. 
10,  p.  302,  and  also  ibid.  Vol.  11,  pp.  78-79).  Mr.  Rackliff 
reports  taking  a  specimen  in  Knox  Count}7.  A  third  example  has 
been  taken  on  Job's  Island,  Penobscot  Bay.  (Cf.  Townsend,  The 
Auk,  Vol.  2,  p.  106). 

Family  TANAGRID^E.     Tanagers. 
Genus  PIRANGA  Vieillot. 

251.  (607).   Piranga  ludoviciaua  (  Wils. ) .  Louisiana  Tauager. 
Accidental,  a  specimen  having  been  taken  near  Baugor  about 

October  1,  1889,  and  sent  to  Mr.  S.  L.  Crosby,  the  well  known 
Bangor  taxidermist.  Regarding  this  same  bird  Mr.  Manly  Hardy 
writes:  "I  saw  the  remains  of  that  Louisiana  Tanager  you  ask 
about.  It  was  an  adult  male  and  was  brought  in  the  flesh  but  too 
far  gone  to  mount.  It  was  a  Louisiana  Tanager  without  any  ques- 
tion as  I  compared  it  with  mine."  The  fact  that  this  was  com- 
pared with  named  specimens  by  such  a  reliable  and  careful 
observer  as  Mr.  Hardy  is  a  sufficient  voucher  for  the  reliability  of 
this  record. 

252.  (608).     Pirauga  erythromelas  Vieill.    Scarlet  Tanager. 

A  rare  summer  resident  of  quite  general  distribution  within  our 
limits.  The  handsome  scarlet  males,  with  black  wings  and  tail, 
are  easily  identified  by  any  persons  having  the  slightest  knowledge 
of  Ornithology,  but  the  duller  colored  females,  while  easily  identi- 
fied, have  not  the  prominent  colors  of  their  mates. 

County  Records. — Androseoggin,  "rare  migrant"  (Johnson)  ;  Aroos- 
took,  "rare  at  Houlton"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p. 
Ill);  Cumberland,  "rare"  (Mead);  Franklin,  "rare  summer  resident" 
(Swain)  ;  Hancock,  "summer  resident"  (Dorr) ;  Keuuebec,  "very  rare 
summer  resident"  (Robbins)  ;  Knox,  "rare  migrant"  (Rackliff)  ;  Oxford, 
"breeds"  (Nash)  ;  Peuobscot,  "rare,  not  seen  or  reported  since  1891" 
(Knight) ;  Piscataquis,  "rare,  breeds"  (Homer) ;  Sagadahoc,  "four 
specimens  in  spring"  (Spinney)  ;  Waldo,  "rare"  (Spratt)  ;  Washington, 
"rare  summer  resident"  (Boardmau)  ;  York,  "rare,  sometimes  breeds'' 
(Adams). 

253.  (610).     Piranga  rubra  (Linn.).     Summer  Tanager. 
There  is  seemingly  but  one  record  for  the  state,  this  specimen 

being  taken  at  Wiscasset,  Lincoln  County,  and  recorded  in  Smith's 
List  in  the  Forest  and  Stream.  Mr.  Boardman  has  taken  it  in 
New  Brunswick. 


i;n:i»   OK    MAIM.. 


105 


Family  HERUNDINHXE.     Swallows. 

Genus  PROGNE  Boie. 

254.  (611).  Progne  subis  (Lin  n.).  Purple  Martin. 
A  common  summer  resident  in  the  vicinity  of  dwellings  where 
martin  houses  have  been  erected  for  their  accommodation.  They 
seemingly  return  to  the  same  house  every  year,  and  usually  have  a 
hard  light  to  regain  possession  of  it,  as  during  their  absence  the 
Knglish  Sparrows  have  usually  taken  possession.  However,  in 
such  fights  the  Martins  usually  prove  victorious,  and  the  intruding 
tj,,,ii''xtirux  is  forced  to  seek  a  new  home. 


County  Records.  —  Androscoggiu,  "abundant  summer  resident"  (John- 
son) ;  Aroostook,  "seen  at  Fort  Fail-field  and  lloultou"  (Batchelder,  Bull. 
Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  110)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  summer  resi- 
dent" (Mead)  ;  Franklin,  "common  summer  resident"  (Swain)  ;  Hancock, 
"common  throughout  the  summer"  (Knight)  ;  Kennebec,  "very  rare  sum- 
mer resident"  (Larrabee)  ;  Kuox,  "summer"  (Uacklifl)  ;  Oxford,  "com- 
mon breeder"  (Nash)  ;  Penobscot,  "common  in  the  cities,  somewhat  rarer 
in  the  country,  but  occur  wherever  houses  have  been  provided  for  their 
benefit"  (Knight);  Piscataquis,  "common,  breeds"  (Homer);  Sagadahoc 
(Spratt)  ;  Somerset,  "common  summer  resident"  (Morrell)  ;  Waldo 
(Spratt)  ;  Washington,  "common  summer  resident"  (Boardman)  ;  York, 
"common  summer  resident"  (Adams). 

Genus  PETROCHELIDON  Cabanis. 

255.      (612).     Petrochelidon  lunifrons  (Say).      Cliff   Swallow. 

A  very  common  summer  resident  of  general  distribution.  These 
birds  arc  commonly  called  Eave  Swallows  from  their  habit  of  build- 
ing their  large  flask-shaped  nests  of  mud  beneath  the  eaves  of 
buildings.  They  are  also  called  Republicans,  presumably  because 
they  nest  in  colonies. 

County  Records.—  Audroscoggiu,  "common  summer  resident"  (John- 
m)  ;  Aroostook,  "abundant  at  Fort  Fail-field*'  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Nutt. 
Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  110);  Cumberland,  "common  summer  resident" 
(Mead)  ;  Franklin  "common  summer  resident"  (Swain)  ;  Hancock,  "com- 
mon on  the  inhabited  islands  along  the  coast  and  also  in  the  interior, 
breeds,  (Knight)  ;  Keunebec,  "very  common  summer  resident"'  (Gar- 
diner Branch)  ;  Knox,  "summer"  (Rackliflf)  ;  Oxford,  "common,  breeds" 
(Nash)  ;  Penobscot,  "abundant  summer  resident"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis, 
"common,  breeds"  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  summer  resident" 
(Spinney);  Somerset,  "common  summer  resident"  (Morrell);  Waldo 
(Spratt)  ;  Washington,  "very  abundant  summer  resident"  (Boardmau)  ; 
York,  "-common  summer  resident"  (Adams). 


106  BIRDS    OF    MAIN?:. 

Genus  CHELIDON  Forster. 

256 .  (613).     Clielidon  erythrogastra  (Bodd. ) .     Barn  Swallow. 
A  common  summer  resident  throughout  the  state.     These  birds 

nearly  always  nest  in  colonies,  placing  their  nests  of  mud  within 
barns  and  unoccupied  houses,  and  attaching  them  to  the  side  or 
placing  them  on  top  of  some  beam.  They  are  very  common  on 
some  of  the  islands  along  our  coast,  and  in  July,  1893,  I  found  two 
pair  nesting  in  an  unoccupied  hut  on  Seal  Island  which  is  situated 
far  out  to  sea. 

County  Records  — Androscoggiu,  ''abundant  summer  resident''  (John- 
son) ;  Aroostook,  "common  at  Fort  Fail-field''  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Nutt. 
Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  110)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  summer  resident"' 
(Mead);  Franklin,  "common  summer  resident"  (Swain);  Hancock, 
"breeds  on  many  of  the  inhabited  islands  and  in  the  interior"  (Knight)  ; 
Keunebec,  "quite  common  summer  resident"  (Gardiner  Branch) ;  Knox, 
"summer"  (Rackliff)  ;  Oxford,  "breeds  commonly"  (Nash)  ;  Penob.scot, 
"abundant  summer  resident"  (Knight) ;  Piscataquis,  "common,  breeds" 
(Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  summer  resident"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset, 
"common  summer  resident"  (Morrell)  ;  Waldo,  (Spratt)  ;  Washington, 
"very  abundant  summer  resident"  (Boardman)  ;  York,  "common  sum- 
mer resident"  (Adams). 

Genus  TACHYCINETA  Cabanis. 

257.  (614).     Tachycineta   bicolor    (VieilL}.     Tree    Swallow. 
A  common  summer  resident  both  in  the  vicinity  of  houses  and  in 

the  wilderness.  Near  civilization  it  prefers  to  place  its  nest  in 
some  hole  or  crevice  of  a  building  or  in  an  unoccupied  martin 
house,  while  in  other  localities  it  nests  in  holes  in  trees.  I  have 
found  these  birds  especially  common  along  our  rivers  and  about 
our  ponds  and  lakes,  in  such  places  placing  their  nests  in  deserted 
woodpecker  or  other  holes,  in  stumps  near  to  the  water. 

County  Records. — Androscoggiu,  "tolerably  common  summer  resi- 
dent" (Johnson);  Aroostook,  "abundant  at  Fort  Fail-field"  (Batchelder, 
Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  110)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  summer 
resident"  (Mead) ;  Franklin,  "common  summer  resident"  (Swain) ; 
Hancock,  "common  summer  resident"  (Knight) ;  Keuuebec,  "common 
summer  resident"  (Gardiner  Branch);  Knox,  "summer"  (Rackliff); 
Oxford,  "common,  breeds"  (Nash) ;  Penobscot,  "breeds  commonly" 
(Knight) ;  Piscataquis,  "common,  breeds"  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "com- 
mon summer  resident"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "common  summer  resident" 
(Morrell) ;  Waldo,  (Spratt) ;  Washington,  "very  abundant  summer 
resident"  (Boardman);  York,  "common  summer  resident"  (Adams). 


I'.IKDS    OF     MAINK.  l'»7 


CLIVICOLA  Forster. 

258.      (610).     Clivicolti  riparia  (  Linn.  ).      Hunk  Swallow. 

Common  summer  resident  in  localities  where  the  sand  banks 
afford  perpendicular  walls  in  which  these  birds  can  excavate  their 
nesting  burrows.  These  are  often  dug  to  a  depth  of  three  feet, 
although  the  average  in  places  where  the  birds  are  not  disturbed 
by  small  boys  is  about  a  foot  and  a  half.  At  the  end  of  these,  the 
four  to  seven  white  eggs  are  deposited  in  a  rudely  made  nest  of 
dry  grass  or  straw,  which  is  often  lined  with  feathers. 

County  Records.  —  Aiidroscoggin,  "abundant  summer  resident"  (Johu- 
son)  ;  Aroostook.  "common  at  Fort  Fail-field"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Nutt. 
Oru.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  110)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  summer  resident" 
(Mead;:  Franklin,  "common  summer  resident"  (Swsiiu)  ;  Hancock,  UI 
have  found  this  species  nesting  abundantly  along  the  shores  of  many 
islands  along  the  coast"  (Knight);  Kennebec,  "common  summer  nM- 
dent"  (Gardiner  Branch);  Knox,  "summer"  (Rackliil);  Lincoln, 
"briM-iU  at  Damariscotta"  (II.  E.  Berry,  The  Oologist,  December,  1888, 
p.  175);  Oxford,  "common  breeder"  (Nash);  Penobscot,  "abundant 
breeder"  (Knight  ;  Piscataquis,  "common,  breeds"'  (Homer);  Sagada- 
h«»e.  "common  summer  resident"  (Spinney);  Somerset,  "i-om- 
mon  summer  resident  (Morrell)  ;  Waldo,  "common  summer 
resident"  (Knight);  Washington,  "very  abundant  summer  resident" 
(Boardman)  ;  York,  "common  summer  resident"  (Adams). 

Family  AMPELIDJE.     Waxwings  etc. 
Subfamily  A^I  PKLI  X^K.     Waxwings. 

Genus  AMPELIS  Linnaeus. 

2-Vj.      (618).     Ampelis    garrulus    Linn.    Bohemian    Waxwing. 
An  irregular  winter  visitor  from  the  north  which  probably  occurs 
throughout  the  entire   state,   although  it  has  only  been   recorded 
from  two  counties. 

Countv  Records.  —  Kennebec,  given  in  Hamliu's  list  of  "Birds  of  Water- 
ville,''  Report  of  Secretary  Maine  Board  of  Agriculture,  1865,  pp.  168-173)  ; 
Washington,  "rare,  some  winters  occurs  in  large  flocks"  (Boardman). 

260.     (619.).     Ampelis  cedrorum  (  Vieitt.  ).     Cedar  Waxwiug. 

A  common  summer  resident  and  of  rare  occurrence  in  winter. 
Commonly  known  as  Cherry  Bird  on  account  of  their  fondness  for 
this  fruit.  Upon  their  arrival  in  the  spring  1  have  often  observed  them 
mgaged  in  pecking  at  apple  blossoms,  and  seemingly  eating 

irts  of  the  same,  though  I  have  never  shot  one  at  this  period,  so 


108  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

engaged,  and  cannot  say  what  part  of  the  blossom,  if  any,  is  actu- 
ally eaten.  At  this  time  of  the  year  the  farmers  call  them  Apple  Birds 
and  this  term  applies  until  the  advent  of  ripe  cherries  brings  a  change 
in  their  diet  and  name.  They  are  certainly  insectivorous  to  a 
large  extent,  and  undoubtedly  devour  enough  injurious  insects  to 
more  than  pay  for  the  limited  quantities  of  fruit  they  take  as  toll. 

County  Records. — Androscoggiu,  "common  summer  resident"  (John- 
son) ;  Aroostook,  "common"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Nutt.  Oru.  Club,  Vol.  7, 
p.  110)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  summer  resident"  (Mead) ;  Franklin, 
"common  summer  resident"  (Swain) ;  Hancock,  "summer  resident" 
(Murch)  ;  Kennebec,  "common"  (Gardiner  Branch)  ;  Knox,  "summer" 
(Rackliff)  ;  Oxford,  "common  breeder"  (Tvrash) ;  Penobscot,  "common 
summer  resident,  rarely  seen  in  winter"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "com- 
mon, breeds"  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  summer  resident"  (Spin- 
ney) ;  Somerset,  "common  summer  resident"  (Morrell)  ;  Waldo,  (Spratt)  ; 
Washington,  "common  summer  resident,  some  in  winter"  (Boardmau) ; 
York,  "common  summer  resident"  (Adams). 

Family  LANIID^E.     Shrikes. 
Genus  Lanius  Linnaeus. 

261.  (621).     Lanius  borealis  Vieill.     Northern  Shrike. 

Of  quite  common  occurrence  as  a  winter  resident.  This  species 
does  not  breed  in  the  state,  all  published  records  to  the  contrary 
notwithstanding.  All  statements  that  this  species  has  been  found 
nesting  in  the  state  are  made  by  incompetent  observers,  and  upon 
investigation  will  be  found  to  refer  to  the  succeeding  species. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "fairly  common  winter  resident" 
(Johnson)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  winter  migrant"  (Mead)  ;  Franklin, 
"rare  winter  resident"  (Swain)  ;  Hancock,  (Dorr) ;  Keunebec,  "rare" 
(Gardiner  Branch)  ;  Knox,  "winter"  (Racklift*)  ;  Oxford,  "fairly  com- 
mon migrant"  (Johnson) ;  Penobscot,  "quite  common  in  late  fall,  winter 
and  early  spring"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "com- 
mon in  winter"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "not  common  winter  visitant" 
(Morrell) ;  Washington,  "common  fall  and  winter"  (Boardmau) ;  York, 
"rare  migrant"  (Adams). 

262.  (622).     Lanius   ludovicianus  Linn.     Loggerhead  Shrike. 

Summer  resident  in  many  localities  where  the  conditions  are 
favorable,  while  in  other  places  the  species  has  not  been  reported. 
In  common  with  the  preceding  it  is  called  Butcher  Bird,  and  I  have 
heard  the  name  Joree  also  applied  to  it,  this  latter  coming  from  an 
attempt  to  syllabize  the  cry  of  the  bird.  Our  Maine  birds  are 


r,n;i'»   <>F    MAIM.. 


109 


intermediate  between  the  Loggerhead  and  White-ramped  varieties, 
but  on  the  whole  they  approach  nearest  to  the  former,  and  have 
been  assigned  to  it  whenever  specimens  have  been  sent  to  authori- 
ties for  identification.  The  A.  O.  U.  Check-List  also  gives  New 
England  as  part  of  its  habitat. 

County  Records. — Audroscoggiu,  "rare  summer  resident*1  (Johnson)  ; 
Cumberland,  uof  regular  occurrence,  it  has  come  to  my  notice  only  dur- 
ing April  and  August,  in  Westbrook,  Gorham,  etc."  (Norton)  ;  Franklin, 
"rare  summer  resident"'  (Richards);  Hancock,  ••summer  resident'' 
(Muivhi:  Kcnncbrc.  "rare"  (Gardiner  Branch) ;  Oxford,  "rare  summer 
resident"  (Johnson)  ;  Penobscot,  "common  summer  resident"  (Knight)  ; 
Piscataquis,  "common  summer  resident"  (Whitman)  ;  Somerset,  "(mite 
common  summer  resident"  (Morrell) ;  Washington,  "rare  summer  resi- 
dent" (Boardmau)  ;  York,  "rare  migrant"  (Adams). 

Family  V1REONIDJE.     Vireos. 

Genus  VIREO  Vieillot. 
Subgenus  VIREOSYLVA  Bonaparte. 

263.  (624).     Vireo  olivaceus  (Linn.).     Red-eyed  Vireo. 

The  commonest  species  of  its  family  with  us,  and  of  very  gen- 
eral distribution  as  a  summer  resident  within  our  limits.  It  is  a 
bird  of  both  woodland  and  shady  city  streets,  its  presence  during 
the  breeding  season  being  evidenced  by  its  ever  constant  song. 

County  Records. — Audroscoggiu,  "common  summer  resident"  (John- 
son);  Aroostook,  "common  at  Fort  Fairfleld"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Nutt. 
Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  Ill)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  summer  resident" 
M'-ad);  Franklin,  "common  summer  resident"  (Swain);  Hancock, 
"summer  resident"  (Murch) ;  Kennebec,  "common  summer  resident" 
(Gardiner  Branch) ;  Knox,  "summer"  (Rackliff ) ;  Oxford,  "breeds 
commonly"  (Nash);  Penobscot,  "common  breeder"  (Knight);  Piscata- 
quis,  "common,  breeds"  (Homer);  Sagadahoe,  "common  summer  resi- 
st" (Spinney);  Somerset,  "common  summer  resident"  (Morrell); 
raldo,  (Spratt) ;  Washington,  "very  abundant  summer  resident" 
toardman)  ;  York,  "common  summer  resident"  (Adams). 

264.  (626).       Vireo    philadelphicus     (Cass.).      Philadelphia 
Vireo. 

A  summer  resident  of  the  Canadian  fauna,  while  elsewhere  in 
state  it  is  of  somewhat  rare  occurrence  as  a  migrant,  according 
to  the  data  now  at  hand.  It  is  very  probable  that  this  species  has 
been  overlooked  by  many  Ornithologists,  owing  to  its  resemblance 

the  Warbling  species,  while  its  song  is  almost  indistinguishable 
from  that  of  the  Red-eyed  Vireo. 


110  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

County  Records. — Franklin,  "rare  migrant"  (Richards)  ;  Keuuebec, 
"occurs  at  Waterville"  (Deane,  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  1,  p.  74)  • 
Oxford,  "at  the  1896  Congress  of  the  A.  O.  U.  Mr.  Brewster  spoke  of 
this  bird  being  observed  at  Upton  in  the  breeding  season  and  that  it  was 
fairly  common";  Washington,  "rare"'  (Boardman). 

265.  (627).     Vireo  gilvus  (VieilL).     Warbling  Vireo. 

A  fairly  common  summer  resident  of  many  favored  localities 
within  the  state,  and  seemingly  showing  a  marked  partiality  for 
the  various  shade  trees  which  line  the  streets  of  our  cities  and 
towns.  It  is  rightly  named  Warbling  Vireo  as  its  rolling  warbling 
song  may  be  heard  wherever  it  occurs  during  the  breeding  season. 

County  Records. — Audroscoggiu,  "fairly  common  summer  resident" 
(Johnson)  ;  Cumberland,  "rare"  (Mead)  ;  Franklin,  "rare  summer  resi- 
dent" (Swain);  Hancock,  "summer  resident"  (Dorr);  Kenuebec,  "com- 
mon summer  resident"  (Gardiner  Branch) ;  Oxford,  "occurs  at  Norway" 
(Purdie,  Bull.  Xutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  2,  p.  15);  Penobscot,  "rare 
summer  resident  within  City  of  Bangor  along  the  shaded  streets" 
(Knight)  ;  Somerset,  "not  common  summer  resident"  (Morrell)  ;  Wash- 
ington, "not  plenty,  summer  resident"  (Boardman). 

Subgenus  LANIVIREO  Baird. 

266.  (628).     Vireo  flavifrons   Vieill.     Yellow-throated   Vireo. 
This  is  seemingly  the  rarest  of   our   Vireos,  with   the   possible 

exception  of  V.  philadelphicus,  and  like  the  rest  of  its  family  it  is 
a  summer  resident  within  our  boundaries. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "rare  summer  resident"  (Johnson) ; 
Cumberland,  "rare,  two  specimens,  taken  in  May  and  on  July  31,  1878, 
near  Bridgton"  (Mead),  "I  know  of  but  one  specimen  which  was  taken 
May  21,  1881"  (Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  10)  ;  Franklin,  "rare 
summer  resident"  (Swain) ;  Kennebec,  (Robbins)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "rare'' 
(Spratt). 

267.  (629).     Vireo  solitarius  (  Wils.).     Blue-headed  Vireo. 

Of  quite  rare  and  somewhat  local  distribution  during  the  breed- 
ing season,  while  in  some  places  it  is  of  fairly  common  occurrence 
as  a  migrant.  It  is  to  be  looked  for  in  the  depths  of  the  woods, 
hence  the  name  Solitary  Vireo  which  is  often  applied  to  it. 

County  Records. — Audroscoggin,  "rare  summer  resident"  (Johnson)  ; 
Aroostook,  "common  at  Houlton,  not  common  at  Fort  Fairfleld" 
(Batchelder).  (Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  Ill);  Cumberland, 
"common  migrant"  (Mead)  ;  "rather  rare  summer  resident"  (Brown's 
Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  10);  Franklin,  "rare  summer  resident" 
(Swain)  ;  Keunebec,  "very  rare"  (Gardiner  Branch) ;  Knox,  "summer 


I'.fKDS    OF    MAIM..  Ill 

resident"  (Norton);  Oxford,  "occurs  at  I'pton"  (Brewstor  Bull.  Nutt. 
Orn.  Club,  Vol.  'J.  p.  116) ;  Peuobseot,  urare  summer  resident"  (Knight)  ; 
Piscata«iuis.  "ran-**  (Homer);  Sagadahoc,  (Spratt  '  :  Somerset,  4'not 
common  migrant"  (Morrell);  Waldo.  (Spratt;  :  Washington,  4'uot  com- 
mon summer  resident"  (Boardman.) 

Family  MNIOTILTIDJE.     Wood  Warblers. 

Genus  MNIOTILTA  Vieillot. 

268.  (636).  Mniotilta  variti  (Linn.).  Black  and  White 
Warbler. 

Of  quite  general  occurrence  as  a  summer  resident  and  common 
during  the  migrations.  This  bird  much  resembles  the  Creepers  in 
habits,  creeping  up  and  down  tree  trunks  in  search  of  food,  hang- 
ing head  down  or  in  other  seemingly  impossible  positions,  and 
acting  entirely  different  from  the  other  Warblers. 

County  Records. — Audroscoggin,  "fairly  common  summer  resident" 
(Johnson);  Aroostook,  "observed  at  Fort  Fairfield"  (Batchelder,  Bull. 
X ut t.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  109);  Cumberland,  "common  summer  resi- 
dent" (Mead) ;  Franklin,  "common  summer  resident*'  (Swain) ;  Han- 
cock, "quite  common  summer  resident"  (Knight) ;  Kennebec,  "quite 
common  summer  resident"  (Gardiner  Branch)  ;  Kiiox,  "summer  resident" 
(Norton) ;  Oxford,  "breeds  commonly"  (Xash) ;  Penobscot,  "common 
migrant  and  fairly  common  summer  resident"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis, 
"ommiou  summer  resident"  (Whitman)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  migrant" 
(Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "common  summer  resident"  (Morrell) ;  Waldo, 
(Spratt) ;  Washington,  "common  summer  resident"  (Boardman)  ;  York, 
"very  common  summer  resident"  (Adams). 

Genus  PROTON  OTARI A  Baird. 

26D.  (637).  Protonotaria  citrea  (Bodd.).  Prothonotary 
Warbler. 

Accidental,  a  single  individual  having  been  taken  at  Calais, 
Washington  County,  October  30th,  1862,  by  Mr.  Boardman. 
(Cf.  Brewster,  Bull.  Nutt.  Oru.  Club,  Vol.  3,  p.  153). 

Genus  HELMINTHOPHILA  Ridgway. 

270.  (645).  Helmintb.oph.ila  rubricapilla  (Wils.).  Nashville 
Warbler. 

A  very  common  migrant  and  fairly  common  summer  resident  of 
lost  portions  of  the  state. 


112  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

County  .Records. — Androscoggin,  "rare  summer  resident"  (Johnson) ; 
Aroostook,  "observed  at  Fort  Fail-field"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn. 
Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  110)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  migrant"  (Mead),  "com- 
mon summer  resident"  (Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  6)  ;  Franklin, 
"common  summer  resident"  (Swain) ;  Hancock,  "summer  resident" 
(Knight)  ;  Kennebec,  "common  summer  resident"  (Larrabee)  ;  Knox, 
"summer"  (Racklift)  ;  Oxford,  "breeds"  (Nash)  ;  Penobscot,  "quite  com- 
mon summer  resident,  abundant  in  migrations"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis, 
"not  common,  breeds"  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  (Spratt)  ;  Somerset,  "quite 
common  summer  resident"  (Morrell)  ;  Washington,  "common  summer 
resident"  (Boardman). 

271.  (647).     Helminthophila  peregrina    (Wils.).      Tennessee 
Warbler. 

A  qnite  rare  summer  resident  within  the  Canadian  fauna  and  of 
occurrence  elsewhere  chiefly  as  a  migrant.  Owing  to  its  close 
resemblance  to  the  Nashville  Warbler,  this  bird  has  probably  been 
overlooked  by  many  observers. 

County  Records. — Androscoggiu,  "rare  summer  resident"  (Johnson)  ; 
Franklin,  "rare  migrant"  (Richards)  ;  Kenuebec,  (Larrabee)  ;  Oxford, 
"breeds  at  Upton"  (Mayard's  List  of  Birds  of  Coos  Co.,  N.  H.,  and 
Oxford  Co.,  Maine,  p.  7) ;  Penobscot,  "very  rare  summer  resident" 
(Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "rare  summer  resident"  (Whitman)  ;  Somerset, 
"one  shot  out  of  a  flock  of  six  or  eight,  May  15,  1896"  (Morrell)  ; 
Washington,  "common  summer  resident"  (Boardmau). 

Genus  COMPSOTHLYPIS  Cabanis. 

272.  (648a).       Compsothlypis    americana    usneai     Brewster. 
Northern  Parula  Warbler. 

This  new  described  subspecies  of  the  Parula  or  Blue-Yellow- 
backed  Warbler  is  a  fairly  common  summer  resident  of  many  por- 
tions of  the  state.  The  nest  is  seemingly  always  placed  in  a  clus- 
ter of  the  tisnea  lichen,  ( Usnea  longissima)  and  usually  at  no 
great  distance  from  the  ground. 

County  Records. — Androscoggiu,  "rare  summer  resident"  (Johnson); 
Cumberland,  "common  summer  resident"  (Mead);  Franklin,  "rare  sum- 
mer resident"  (Swain)  ;  Kennebec,  "common  summer  resident"  (Gar- 
diner Branch)  ;  Knox,  "summer  resident"  (Norton)  ;  Oxford,  "Breeds  at 
Upton"  (Mayard's  List  of  Birds  of  Coos  Co.,  N.  H.,  and  Oxford,  Co., 
Maine,  p.  6)  ;  Penobscot,  "quite  common  summer  resident"  (Knight)  ; 
Piscataquis.  "common"  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  summer  resi- 
*dent"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "common  migrant,  apparently  not  a  sum- 
mer resident"  (Morrell)  ;  Washington,  "not  uncommon  summer  resident' 
(Boardman). 


BIRDS    Otf    MAINE.  113 

Genus  DENDROICA  Gray. 
Subgenus  PERISSOGLOSSA  Baird. 

273.     (050).     Dendroica  tigrina  (GmeL).     Cape  May  Warbler. 

A  somewhat  uncommon  summer  resident  of  the  Canadian  fauna, 
elsewhere  of  quite  rare  occurrence  in  migrations. 

County  Records.—  Androscoggin,  "rare  migrant"*  (Johnson);  Aroos- 
took,  ua  male  shot  at  Fort  Fail-field"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club, 
Vol.  7,  p.  110);  Cumberland,  "common  migrant"  (Mead);  Franklin, 
••rare  migrant"  (Richards);  Kennebec,  (Gardiner  Branch);  Oxford, 
"probably  breeds"  (Given  in  Mayanl's  List  of  Birds  of  Coos  Co.,  X.  H., 
and  Oxford  Co.,  Maine,  p.  13) ;  Piscataquis,  "rare"  (Homer) ;  Sagadahoc, 
••fan'"  spratt) ;  Somerset,  "rare,  one  specimen  taken  August  22,  1893" 
(Mon-fll);  Washington,  "summer  resident  of  variable  abundance"' 
(Boardman). 

Subgenus  DENDROICA  Gray. 

•2 74 .     ( 652 ) .     Dendroica  tustiva  ( GmeL ) .     Yellow  Warbler. 

The  Summer  Yellow-bird  is  one  of  our  commonest  Warblers, 
being  a  very  common  summer  resident  of  general  distribution.  It 
is  characteristic  of  no  particular  faunal  area,  being  found  through- 
out all  temperate  North  America,  except  in  the  extreme  southwest 
and  northwest  where  its  subspecies  occur. 

County  Records. — Androscoggiu,  "common  summer  resident"  (John- 
sou) ;  Aroostook,  "occurs  at  Fort  Fairfield"  (Batchelder.  Bull.  Nutt. 
Oru.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  109)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  summer  resident" 
(Mi-ad);  Franklin,  "common  summer  resident"  (Swain);  Hancock, 
••suiniiKT  resident"  (Murch) ;  Keunebec,  "abundant  summer  resident'' 
(Gardiner  Branch)  ;  Kuox,  "summer"  (Rackliff)  ;  Oxford,  "abundant  at 
Norway"  (Verrill's  List  of  the  Birds  of  Norway,  Proc.  Essex  Inst.,  Vol. 
3,  p.  136  et  seq.)  ;  Penobscot,  "very  common  summer  resident"  (Knight)  ; 
PUcataquis,  "rare  summer  resident"  (Homer) ;  Sagadahoc  "common 
summer  resident"  (Spinney);  Somerset,  "summer  resident''  (Morrell) ; 
Waldo  (Spratt) ;  Washington,  "abundant  summer  resident"  (Boardman)  ; 
York,  ••ijuite  common  summer  resident"  (Adams). 

275.  (654).  Dendroica  c;t>rulescens  (Gmel.).  Black-throated 
Blue  Warbler. 

A  somewhat  common  summer  resident  in  some  sections  of  the 
state,  and  of  very  general  occurrence  as  a  migrant.  The  males 
being  of  a  general  grayish-blue  color  above,  the  sides  of  their  head 
and  the  throat  black,  and  their  breast  and  belly  white,  together 

8 


114  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

with  the  white  spot  on  the  wing  at  the  end  of  the  primary  wing 
coverts,  they  are  easily  identified.  The  females  are  more  sober  in 
coloration,  though  equally  easily  recognized  by  persons  acquainted 
with  the  species. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "rare  summer  resident"  (Johnson)  ; 
Aroostook,  "-rather  common  at  Fort  Fail-field"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Xutt. 
Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  109)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  migrant"  (Mead)  ; 
Franklin,  "rare  summer  resident"'  (Swain)  ;  Kennebec,  "summer  resi- 
dent" (Gardiner  Branch);  Kiiox,  "rare  migrant"  (Rackliff);  Oxford, 
"common  and  breeding  at  Upton"  (Maynard's  List  of  Birds  of  Coos  Co., 
N.  H.,  and  Oxford  Co.,  Me.,  p.  8) ;  Penobscot,  "common  migrant 
and  summer  resident"  (Knight) ;  Piscataquis,  "common"  (Homer) ; 
Sagadahoc,  "three  specimens,  all  in  fall"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "rare 
summer  resident"  (Morrell)  ;  Washington,  "not  abundant  summer  resi- 
dent" (Boardmau)  ;  York,  "migrant"  (Adams). 

276.      (655).     Dendroica  coronata  (Linn.).     Myrtle    Warbler. 

Of  very  general  distribution  and  everywhere  common  in  the 
migrations,  being  known  to  many  persons  as  the  Yellow  Bumped 
Warbler.  It  is  also  a  common  summer  resident  in  the  northern 
and  eastern  parts  of  the  state,  growing  less  abundant  at  this  season 
as  one  enters  the  counties  of  the  Alleghanian  fauna.  It  is  primarily 
a  bird  whose  distribution  in  the  breeding  season  is  limited  by  the 
southern  boundaries  of  the  Canadian  fauna,  although  a  few  strag- 
glers remain  to  nest  south  of  this  limit.  It  is  the  first  Warbler  to 
appear  in  spring  and  the  last  to  leave  in  fall. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "fairly  common  summer  resident" 
(Johnson)  ;  Aroostook,  "common  at  Fort  Fairfield"  (Batchelder,  Bull. 
Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  109)  ;  Cumberland,  "abundant  transient  near 
Portland,  six  individuals  were  seen  at  Pine  Point  on  January  1,  1885, 
and  two  of  them  secured"  (Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  pp.  7  and  38)  ; 
"common  summer  resident"  (Mead)  ;  Franklin,  "common  summer  resi- 
dent" (Swain)  ;  Hancock,  "common  summer  resident,  occurs  at  this 
season  on  many  of  the  wooded  islands  along  the  coast"  (Knight)  ;  Ken- 
nebec, "common  summer  resident"  (Larrabee) ;  Kuox,  "summer"  (Rack- 
liff) ;  Oxford,  "common  at  Upton  in  the  breeding  season''  (Maynard'a 
List  of  Birds  of  Coos  Co.,  N.  H.,  and  Oxford  Co.,  Me.,  p.  S)  ;  Penobscot, 
"common  summer  resident"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "common,  breeds" 
^Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  summer  resident"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset, 
"rare  summer  resident,  common  migrant"  (Morrell)  ;  Waldo,  "common 
summer  resident"  (Knight)  ;  Washington,  "abundant  summer  resident" 
(Boardmau);  York,  "quite  common*'  (Adams). 


BIRDS    OF    MA  INK.  115 

277.  (657).  Dendroica  maculosa  (Gmel.}.  Magnolia  Warbler. 
Known  to  many  as  the  Black  and  Yellow  Warbler,  this  species  is 

a  quite  common  summer  resident  of  general  distribution.  While 
seemingly  most  abundant  within  the  Canadian  fauna,  it  slightly 
overlaps  into  the  Alleghanian  during  the  breeding  season,  though 
not  common  therein. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "fairly  common  summer  resident" 
(Call)  ;  Aroostook,  "occurs  at  Fort  Fairfield"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Xutt. 
Oru.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  109) ;  Cumberland,  "common  summer  resident" 
(Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  7)  ;  "not  rare  migrant"  (Mead)  ; 
Franklin,  "common  summer  resident"  (Swain)  ;  Kennebec,  "common 
summer  resident"  (Gardiner  Branch);  Knox,  "summer"  (Kacklift); 
Oxford,  "breeds  commonly"  ;  Xash)  ;  Peuobscot,  "quite  common  sum- 
mer resident"  (Knight) ;  Piscataquis,  "common,  breeds"  (Homer) ; 
Sagadahoc,  (Spratt) :  Somerset,  "quite  common  summer  resident"  (Mor- 
rell) ;  Waldo,  "summer  resident"  (Spratt) ;  Washington,  "abundant 
summer  resident"  (Boardman). 

278.  (659).      Dendroica    pensylvauica     (Linn.).      Chestnut- 
sided  Warbler. 

<  Juite  common  as  a  summer  resident  of  very  general  distribution. 

County  Records. — Audroscoggiu,  "common  summer  resident"  (John- 
sou)  ;  Aroostook,  "common  at  Fort  Fairfield,"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Xutt. 
Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  109)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  summer  resident" 
.M«-;i(l);  Franklin,  "common  summer  resident"  (Swain);  Keuuebec, 
'•rare  summer  resident"  (Gardiner  Branch) ;  Knox,  "summer"  (RacklifT) ; 
Oxford,  "breeds  commonly"  (Xash)  ;  Penobscot,  "common  summer  resi- 
dent" (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "common,  breeds"  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc, 
"rare,  two  spring  specimens"  (Spinney) ;  Somerset,  "common  summer 
resident"  (Morrell) ;  Waldo,  (Spratt) ;  Washington,  "not  uncommon 
summer  resident"  (Boardman)  ;  York,  "quite  common"  (Adams). 

279.  (660).       Dendroica     castauea    (Wils.).      Bay-breasted 
Warbler. 

As  a  summer  resident  this  species  is  strictly  confined  to  the 
Canadian  fauna,  and  here  it  is  not  at  all  common  except  locally. 
As  a  migrant  it  probably  occurs  throughout  the  state,  but  it  may 
be  ranked  as  of  rare  occurrence  in  most  places. 

County  Records. — Androscoggiu,  "rare  migrant"  (Johnson)  ;  Cumber- 
laud,  "rare"  (Mead) ;  Franklin,  "rare  migrant*'  (Richards) ;  Knox, 
"rare  in  summer"  (Racklifi) ;  Oxford,  "breeds"  (Maynard's  List  of  Birds 
of  Coos  County,  X.  II.,  and  Oxford  County,  Me.,  p.  9) ;  Penobscot,  "very 
rare  even  as  a  migrant,  a  nest  and  one  egg  taken  near  Orono,  are  in  the 
University  of  Maine  collection"  (Knight) ;  Piscataquis.  "migrant,  not 


116  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

uncommon*'  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  '•'one  specimen  in  spring"  (Spinney) ; 
Somerset,  "rare  migrant''  (Morrell)  ;  Washington,  "not  uncommon  sum- 
mer resident"  (Boardman). 

280.  (661).     Dendroica  striata  (Forst.).    Black-poll  Warbler. 

Quite  common  in  migrations,  also  quite  abundant  as  a  summer 
resident  of  the  Canadian  fauna. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "fairly  common  migrant''  (Johnson)  ; 
Cumberland,  "common  transient  near  Portland"  (Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of 
Portland,  p.  8)  ;  Franklin,  "rare  summer  resident"  (Swain)  ;  Kennebec, 
"migrant"  (Larrabee) ;  Knox,  "often  common"  (Rackliff) ;  Oxford, 
"migrant"  (Nash)  ;  Penobscot,  "quite  common  migrant,  have  seen  it  in 
late  May"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "common  migrant"  (Homer) ;  Sagada- 
hoc, "common  migrant"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "rare  migrant"  (Morrell)  ; 
Washington,  "not  uncommon  summer  resident"  (Boardman). 

281.  (662).     Dendroica   blackburnise.       (GmeL).     Blackbur- 
nian  Warbler. 

Usually  quite  rare  but  often  locally  abundant,  both  as  a  summer 
resident  and  also  in  migrations. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "rare  summer  resident"  (Johnson)  ; 
Aroostook,  "seldom  seen  at  Fort  Fail-field"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn. 
Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  109)  ;  Cumberland,  "not  very  common  summer  resident" 
(Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  8),  "common  migrant"  (Mead); 
Franklin,  "rare  summer  resident"  (Swain)  ;  Hancock,  "summer  resident" 
(Murch) ;  Keuuebec,  "very  rare  summer  resident"  (Powers) ;  Knox, 
"rare  migrant"  (Rackliff)  ;  Oxford,  "breeds  verj^  rarely"  (Nash)  ;  Penob- 
scot, "some  years  quite  common  in  migrations  while  other  seasons  it 
is  not  observed,  rare  as  a  summer  resident"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis, 
"common  migrant"  (Homer)  Sagadahoc,  "rare,  two  specimens  in  spring" 
(Spinney) ;  Somerset,  "not  uncommon  summer  resident"  (Morrell) ; 
Washington,  "not  uncommon  summer  resident"  (Boardman). 

282.  (667).     Dendroica  virens  (GmeL).  Black-throated  Green 
Warbler. 

Very  common  in  migrations,  also  a  common  summer  resident  in 
most  localities.  In  the  summer  it  should  be  sought  in  the  tops  of 
the  taller  evergreen  trees  and  here  it  places  its  nest. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "fairly  common  summer  resident" 
(Johnson)  ;  Aroostook,  "rather  common  at  Fort  Fail-field"  (Batchelder, 
Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  109)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  summer 
resident"  (Mead);  Franklin,  "common  summer  resident"  ( Swain)  ;  Han- 
cock, "summer  resident"  (Knight) ;  Kennebec,  "common  summer  resi- 
dent" (Gardiner  Branch)  ;  Kuox,  "summer"  (Rackliff)  ;  Oxford,  "breeds 
commonly"  (Nash);  Penobscot,  "common  summer  resident"  (Knight); 


BIRDS    01      MAIM..  117 

Pisi-ataqiiis,  "common,  breeds''  (Homer);  Sagadahoc,  "common  summer 
resident"  (Spinney);  Somerset,  "quite  common  summer  resident" 
(Mm-rell);  Washington,  "abundant  summer  resident"  (Boardman) ; 
York,  "migrant"  (Adams). 

283.  (671).     Deudroica  vigorsii  (Aud.).     Pine  Warbler. 
The  Pine-creeping  Warbler  is  quite  a  common   summer  resident 

of  most  portions  of  the  state,  although  being  inclined  to  occur 
locally  and,  as  its  name  would  indicate,  in  pine  forests. 

County  Records. — Audroscoggiu,  "fairly  common  summer  resident" 
(..Johnson) ;  Cumberland,  "common  summer  resident,  one  nest"  M 
Franklin,  -rare  migrant"  (Richards);  Kennebec,  "very  rare  summer 
resident"  (Powers)  ;  Oxford,  "breeds  rarely"  (Xash) ;  Penobscot,  "quite 
rare  summer  resident"  (Knight) ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  migrant" 
(Spinney);  Washington,  "very  rare,  one  specimen"  (Boardmau)  ;  York, 
"common  migrant"  (Adams). 

284.  (G72  a).      Deudroica    palmarum     hypochrysea    Riilyn-. 
Yellow  Palm  Warbler. 

One  of  our  commonest  Warblers  during  the  migrations.  Its 
chestnut  poll,  yellow  breast  streaked  with  dusky,  flycatcher-like 
actions,  and  its  constant  habit  of  twitching  its  tail  render  it  one  of 
the  most  easily  identified  of  our  Warblers.  It  is  one  of  the  first 
Warblers  to  arrive  from  the  south,  being  on  hand  by  the  last  of 
April  or  sometimes  as  early  as  the  20th,  while  in  the  fall  it  does 
not  depart  till  late  October.  The  fact  that  this  species  nests  on 
the  ground  makes  its  nest  comparatively  difficult  to  discover,  and 
it  is  only  within  the  past  four  years  that  it  has  been  ascertained 
to  be  quite  a  common  breeder  of  local  distribution,  within  a  few 
counties  of  the  Canadian  fauna.  Bangor  is  the  southernmost  local- 
ity where  it  occurs  at  all  commonly  in  the  breeding  season,  and 
here  its  abundance  is  limited  to  the  precincts  of  a  large  juniper  bog, 
locally  known  as  Orono  Bog.  Mr.  Chas.  H.  Whitman  of  Baugor 
first  found  a  nest  with  young  of  this  bird  at  the  above  locality. 
Since  then  I  have  had  the  pleasure  of  taking  two  sets  of  their  eggs, 
both  in  early  June,  and  examining  a  number  of  nests  with  young. 
I  have  found  nests  with  young  on  Memorial  Day.  (For  records 
Cf.  Knight,  The  Oologist,  February,  1893,  p.  54,  and  The  Nidol- 
ogist,  June,  1895,  p.  140).  The  number  of  birds  breeding  here 
varies  from  year  to  year,  but  even  when  they  are  rarest  a  person 
cannot  walk  one-fourth  inile  in  this  bog  without  seeing  one  or  more 
of  them.  As  it  is  nearly  seven  miles  long,  though  interrupted  by 


118  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

occasional  high  land,  and  averages  half  a  mile  in  width,  the  num- 
ber of  birds  breeding  there  must  be  considerable.  A  set  of  eggs 
with  the  parent  bird  was  taken  near  Pittsfield,  on  June  13th,  1894, 
by  Mr.  H.  H.  Johnson.  (Cf.  Johnson,  The  Nidologist,  June, 
1895,  p.  140).  The  late  Mr.  Anson  Allen  of  Orono  is  said  to  have 
taken  a  nest  and  eggs  near  that  place  some  years  ago,  but  I  am  not 
aware  that  they  were  ever  recorded.  Wherever  open  juniper  bogs 
occur,  within  the  Canadian  fauna,  this  bird  may  confidently  be 
expected  to  occur  as  a  summer  resident,  although  it  is  not  exclu- 
sively confined  to  boggy  localities. 

County  Records.— Androscoggin,  "common  migrant"  (Johnson)  ;  Cum- 
berland, "common  migrant"  (Mead)  ;  Franklin,  "rare  migrant"  (Rich- 
ards) ;  Hancock,  "occurs,  status  unknown"  (Knight)  ;  Keunebec,  "rare 
migrant"  (Powers)  ;  Knox,  "transient"  (Norton)  ;  Oxford,  "fairly  com- 
mon migrant"  (Johnson)  ;  Penobscot,  "locally  common  summer  resi- 
dent" (Knight) ;  Sagadahoc,  (Spratt) ;  Somerset,  "common  migrant, 
rare  summer  resident"  (Morrell)  ;  Washington,  "very  abundant  summer 
resident"  (Boardman)  ;  York,  "vernal  migrant"  (Adams). 

Genus  SEIURUS  Swaiuson. 

285.  (674).     Seiurus  aurocapillus  (Linn.).     Oven-bird. 

A  common  summer  resident  of  general  occurrence,  resorting  to 
the  solitudes  of  the  woods.  Here  its  song  of  "Teacher,  teacher, 
teacher"  may  be  heard  during  the  nesting  season.  Its  roofed, 
oven-like  nest  is  placed  on  the  ground,  usually  at  the  base  of 
some  small  shrub,  and  is  difficult  to  find  unless  the  parent  bird  is 
flushed  from  it. 

County  Records. — Androscoggiu,  "fairly  common  summer  resident" 
(Johnson)  ;  Aroostook,  "rather  common  at  Fort  Fairfield"  (Batchelder, 
Bull.  Xutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  110)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  summer 
resident"  (Mead)  ;  Franklin,  "common  summer  resident"  (Swain)  ;  Han- 
cock, "summer  resident"  (Knight)  ;  Kennebec,  "quite  common  summer 
resident"  (Powers);  Knox,  "summer"  (Racklift);  Oxford,  "common, 
breeds"  (Nash)  ;  Penobscot,  "quite  common  summer  resident"  (Knight)  ; 
Piscataquis,  "common  summer  resident"  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "common 
summer  resident"  (Spinney) ;  Somerset,  "common  summer  resident" 
(Morrell) ;  Waldo,  (Spratt) ;  Washington,  "very  abundant  summer 
resident"  (Boardman)  ;  York,  "quite  common  summer  resident"  (Adams). 

286.  (675).     Seiurus  noveboracensis  (Gmel.) .    Water-Thrush. 
Migrant  in  southern  Maine,  while  in  the  counties  of  the  Canadian 

fauna  it  occurs  as  a  summer  resident   of  somewhat  local  distribu- 
tion and  variable  abundance. 


BIRDS    OF    MAINE.  119 

County  Records. — Androscoggiu,  "rare  summer  resident"'  (Call) ; 
Aroostook,  "breeding  at  Fort  Fail-field"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Xutt.  Orn. 
chili,  Vol.  7,  p.  110)  ;  Cumberland,  "quite  rare"  (Mead);  Franklin,  (Lee 
&  McLaiu) ;  Keimebec,  "very  rare  summer  resident'"  (Dill) ;  Kuox, 
"transient"  (Norton)  ;  Oxford,  "breeds"  (Maynard's  List  of  Birds  of  Coos 
Co.,  X.  H.,  and  Oxford  Co.,  M<>.,  p.  3) ;  Peuobscot,  "rare  summer  resi- 
dent" (Knight);  Piscataquis,  "common  summer  resident"  (Homer); 
Sagadahoc,  "not  commou  migrant"'  (Spinney) ;  Somerset,  "common 
summer  resident'"  (Morrell) ;  Waldo,  "rare"  (Spratt) ;  Washington, 
"common  summer  resident"'  (Boardman). 

287.  (676).  Seiurus  motacilla  (Vieill.).  Louisiana  Water- 
Thrush. 

Of  accidental  occurrence  as  a  straggler  from  the  south.  Speci- 
mens taken  at  Norway,  Oxford  County,  in  1865,  by  Mr.  Irving 
Frost,  and  at  Wtiterville,  Kennebec  County,  by  Prof.  Hamlin  dur- 
ing the  same  year,  are  recorded  by  Stearns.  (Cf.  Stearns'  "New 
England  Bird  Life,"  p.  159). 


Genus  GEOTHLYPIS  Cabanis. 
Subgenus  OPORORN1S  Baird. 

288.  (678).     Geothlypis  agilis  (Wils.).    Connecticut  Warbler, 

The  records  of  this  bird  are  very  meager,  but  it  probably  occurs 
as  a  regular  though  rare  fall  migrant. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "one  taken  August  30,  1878"  (Brown's 
Oat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  9),  "one  taken  at  Westbrook,  September  20, 
1896"  (Norton) ;  York,  "one  at  Saco  in  September,  1885,  one  September 
8th  and  another  September  15,  1886"  (Cf.  Goodale,  The  Auk,  Vol.  4,  p. 

77). 

Subgenus  GEOTHLYPIS  Cabanis. 

289.  (679).       Geothlypis    Philadelphia    (Wils.).      Mourning 
Warbler. 

Occurs  as  a  rare  transient  in  the  southern  counties,  and  a  rare 
summer  resident  of  the  Canadian  fauna. 

County  Records. — Androscoggiu,  "rare  migrant''  (Johnson)  ;  Aroos- 
t",,k,  "common  at  Fort  Fail-field*'  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Xutt.  Oru.  Club, 
Vol.  7,  p.  110) ;  Cumberland,  "rare"  (Mead)  ;  Franklin,  "rare  summer 
ivMdent"  (Swain) ;  Keuuebec,  (Royal) ;  Oxford,  "occurs  at  L'ptou'' 
(Brewster,  Bull.  Xutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  3,  p.  61)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "not  uncom- 
mon migrant"  (Spinney) ;  Washington,  "very  rare"  (Boardman). 


120  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

290.  (681).     Geothlypis  trichas  (Linn.).     Maryland  Yellow- 
throat. 

A  common  summer  resident,  frequenting  grassy,  bush-inter- 
spersed meadows,  low,  bushy  clearings  and  similar  localities.  Its 
song  resembles  the  syllables  "peachity,  peachity,  peachity,"  while 
the  alarm  note  is  a  harsh  "chit."  It  prefers  to  skip  about  in  the 
low  bushes,  keeping  fairly  well  concealed  from  observation,  but 
always  making  its  presence  known  by  uttering  its  alarm  note  when 
its  precincts  are  intruded  upon. 

County  Records. — Audroscoggin,  "common  summer  resident'1  (John- 
son) ;  Aroostook,  "Fort  Fail-field,  common"'  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Nutt. 
Oru.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  110)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  summer  resident" 
(Mead) ;  Franklin,  "common  summer  resident"  (Swain) ;  Hancock, 
"common  summer  resident,  noted  on  Deer  Isle7'  (Knight) ;  Kennebec. 
"quite  common  summer  resident1"  (Powers)  ;  Knox,  "summer"  (Rack- 
riff)  ;  Oxford,  "breeds  commonly"  (Nash)  ;  Penobscot,  "common  sum- 
mer resident"  (Knight) ;  Piscataquis,  "common  summer  resident" 
(Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  summer  resident"  (Spinney) ;  Somerset, 
"common  summer  resident"  (Morrell)  ;  Waldo,  (Spratt)  ;  Washington ; 
"abundant  summer  resident"  (Boardman);  York,  "common  summer 
resident"  (Adams). 

Genus  ICTERIA  Vieillot. 

291.  (683).     Icteria  virens  (Linn.).     Yellow-breasted  Chat. 

An  accidental  visitor  from  the  south  of  which  only  three  speci- 
mens have  come  to  my  knowledge.  Two  of  these  are  Cumberland 
County  specimens,  one  a  male,  being  taken  at  North  Bridgtou, 
June  6th,  1880,  by  Mr.  J.  C.  Mead,  while  the  other  is  from  Port- 
laud,  being  recorded  by  Brown.  (Cf.  Brown,  The  Auk,  Vol.  11, 
p.  331).  A  specimen  taken  at  Elliot,  York  County,  is  given  in 
Smith's  List  of  the  Birds  of  Maine. 

Genus  SYLVANIA  Nuttall. 

292.  (685).     Sylvania  pusilla  (Wils.).     Wilson's  Warbler. 

A  rare  summer  resident  of  the  Canadian  fauna,  rare  as  a  migrant 
elsewhere  in  the  state. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "sometimes  rear  their  .young  in  this 
county"  (Walter's  "Birds  of  Androscoggiu  County,  p.  9)  ;  Aroostook, 
"breeds  at  Fort  Fairfield"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Nutt.  On.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p. 
110)  ;  Cumberland,  "uncommon  transient"  (Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Port- 
land, p.  9),  "I  have  record  of  its  occurrence  in  Westbrook,  September 


HIRDS    OF     MA  INK.  121 

11.  l^'.i.V  i  Xorton) ;  Fraukliu,  "rare  migrant"  (Swain);  Kenuebec.  (Rob- 
bius)  ;  Peuobscot,  "rare"  (Knight) ;  Piseataijuis.  "rare  summer  resident" 
(Whitman);  Sairadahoe,  "not  uncommon  migrant"  (Spinnev);  Somer- 
set, "rare  summer  resident"  (Morrell) ;  Washington,  "not  common 
summer  resident"  (Boardmau). 

21)3.  (G8G).  Sylvania  canaclensis  (Linn.).  Canadian  Warb- 
ler. 

A  quite  common  summer  resident  of  general  occurrence,  but 
more  generally  distributed  as  such  within  the  Canadian  fauna. 

Count}'  Records. — Androscoggin,  "rare  summer  resident"  (Johnson)  ; 
Aroostook,  "common  at  Fort  Fail-field"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Xutt.  Orn. 
Club.  Vol.  3.  p.  61);  Cumberland,  "rather  common  summer  resident" 
(Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  10)  ;  Franklin,  "common  summer 
resident"  (Richards) ;  Keunebec,  "rare  summer  resident"  (Larrabee) ; 
Knox,  ''summer"  (Racklift);  Oxford,  "occurs  at  Upton"  (Brewster, 
Bull.  Xutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  3,  p.  61) ;  Peuobscot,  "quite  common  sum- 
mer resident"  (Knight)  ;  PiscataijuU.  ;<uot  common"  (Homer);  Sagada- 
hoc,  "not  uncommon  migrant"  (Spinney);  Somerset,  "quite  common 
Bammer  resident"  (Morrell) ;  Washington,  "common  summer  resident" 
(Boardman). 

Genus  SETOPHAGA  Swainson. 

•_>(.»l.     (G87).     Setophaga  ruticilla  (Linn.).    American  Redstart. 

Common  summer  resident  everywhere,  irrespective  of  fauual 
areas,  within  the  state. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "common  summer  resident"  (John- 
son) ;  Aroostook,  "common"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Xutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7, 
p.  110) ;  Cumberland,  "common  summer  resident"  (Mead)  ;  Franklin, 
"common  summer  resident'*  (Swain) ;  Hancock,  ''summer  resident" 
(Murch::  Kenuebec.  "abundant  summer  resident*'  (Sauborn; ;  Kuox, 
"summer"  (Rackliff) ;  Oxford,  "common"  (Xash) ;  Penobscot,  "very 
common  summer  resident"  (Knight) ;  Piscataquis,  "common  summer 
resident"  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  summer  resident''  (Spinney)  ; 
Somerset, "common  summer  resident"  (Morrell) ;  Waldo,  "rare"  (Spratt) ; 
Washington,  "very  abundant  summer  resident"  (Boardmau). 


Genus  AXTHUS  Bechstein. 

Subgenus  ANTHUS. 

295.      (697).     Anthus  peusilvanicus  (Lath.).     American  Pipit. 
A  migrant  of  irregular  abundance,  often  common  in  autumn  and 
isually  rare  in  spring. 


122  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

County  Records.— Androscoggin,  "fall  migrant"  (Walter's  Birds  of 
Androscoggin  County,  p.  6)  ;  Cumberland,  "irregularly  abundant  in  the 
inland  towns  in  autumn,  a  flock  of  two  dozen  was  observed  in  Westbrook, 
May  15,  1889"  (Norton)  ;  Franklin,  "not  common"  (Lee  &  McLain)  ; 
Knox,  "migrant"  (Rackliff) ;  Peuobscot,  "common  some  falls,  rare 
others"  (Knight);  Piscataquis,  "common  migrant"  (Homer);  Somerset, 
"common  migrant"  (Morrell)  ;  Washington,  "common  migrant"  (Board- 
man). 

Family  TROGLODYTID^E.     Wrens,  Thrashers,  etc. 

Subfamily  MIMIN^E.     Thrashers. 

Germs  MIMUS  Boie. 

296.      (703).     Mimus  polyglottos  (Linn.).     Mockingbird. 

Although  many  Mockingbirds  have  been  taken  in  the  state,  still 
it  seems  very  evident  that  they  must  have  all  originally  been  cage- 
birds  which  escaped  from  captivity.  While  reliable  observers  have 
reported  seeing  these  birds  at  liberty,  and,  even  in  midwinter, 
observed  the  same  individuals  for  many  successive  days  or  weeks, 
still  the  very  fact  that  such  a  southern  bird  should  be  here  in  winter 
shows  that  its  presence  is  due  primarily  to  human  agency.  While 
specimens  have  been  taken  which  show  no  signs  of  ever  being  in 
captivity,  still  we  would  not  expect  such  indications  of  former 
days  of  captivity  to  persist  in  case  they  had  been  free  for  several 
weeks.  In  The  Auk  for  April,  1897,  Mr.  N.  C.  Brown  records  a 
specimen  which  was  seen  at  Portland,  January  19,  and  at  intervals 
until  February  15,  while  four  days  later  one  of  Mr.  Brown's  neigh- 
bors saw  it.  This  was  beyond  a  doubt  an  escaped  cage-bird, 
although  Mr.  Brown  states  that  it  showed  no  evidences  of  former 
captivity.  Such  evidences  would  be  difficult  to  detect  in  a  living 
bird  at  some  distance  from  the  observer.  I  have  been  at  great 
difficulty  to  detect  proofs  of  former  captivity  in  skins  of  escaped 
birds  when  actually  in  my  hands. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  "have  one,  an  escaped  cage  bird,  taken 
at  Gorham,  August  12,  1890"  (Norton),  "one  seen  at  Portland,  January 
19— February  19,  1897"  (Cf.  Brown,  Auk,  April  1897,  p  225) ;  Kuox, 
"one  taken  in  February  (Rackliff),  "have  one  shot  at  Vinalhaveu,  Febru- 
ary 1891,  an  escaped  cage  bird"  (Norton);  Oxford,  (Nash)  ;  Piscataquis, 
"one  shot  in  Mouson,  October  20th,, 1884,  did  not  seem  to  have  been  a 
caged  bird"  (Homer)  ;  Washington,  "one  observed  near  Calais  in  1870" 
(Boardmau). 


BIRDS    OK    MAINE.  123 

Genus  GALEOSCOPTES  Cabanis. 

•2'.' 7.      (704).     Galeoscoptes  carolinensis  (Linn.).     Catbird. 
A  summer  resident   of   general  distribution,  but   growing  less 
abundant  as  the  northern  and  eastern  counties  are  approached. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  ''common  summer  resident"  (John- 
son) ;  Aroostook,  "very  rare  at  Houltou,  nests"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Nutt. 
Oru.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  109)  ;  Cumberland,  ''common  summer  resident" 
(Mead  :  Franklin,  "common  summer  resident"  (Swain);  Hancock, 
"summer  resident''  (Murch)  ;  Kenuebec,  "quite  common  summer  resi- 
dent" (Gardiner  Branch) ;  Knox,  "summer"  (Racklift) ;  Oxford, 
"breeds"  (Nash)  ;  Penobscot,  "quite  common  summer  resident  but  far 
less  abundant  than  in  former  years"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "summer 
resident,  not  common"  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  summer  resident" 
(Spinney);  Somerset,  "common  summer  resident"  (Morrell) ;  Waldo, 
(Spratt  :  Washington,  "not  very  abundant  summer  resident"  (Board- 
man)  ;  York,  "common"  (Adams). 

Genus  HARPORHYNCHUS  Cabanis. 
Subgenus  METHRIOPTERUS  Reichenbach. 

298.  (705).     Harporhynchus  rufus  (Linn.).  Brown  Thrasher. 
One  of  the  best  test  species  of  the  Alleghanian  fauna  which  we 

have.     A  common  summer   resident   within  its  limits  while  else- 
where it  is  of  rare  or  casual  occurrence. 

County  Records. — Androscoggiu,  "common  summer  resident"  (John- 
sou)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  in  some  parts  of  the  county  but  not  so  near 
Portland"  (Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  4),  "rare  summer  resi- 
dent" (Mead)  ;  Franklin,  "rare  summer  resident''  (Richards) ;  Kennebec, 
"common  summer  resident"  (Gardiner  Branch)  ;  Kuox,  "summer"  (Rack- 
lift  )  ;  Oxford,  "breeds"  (Xash) ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  summer  resident" 
(Spinney);  York,  "quite  common  summer  resident"  (Adams). 

Subfamily  TROGLODYTIN^E.  Wrens. 

Genus  THRYOTHORUS  Vieillot. 

Subgenus  THRYOTHORUS. 

299.  (718).      Thryothorus    ludovicianus    (Lath.).      Carolina 
Wren. 

There  is  in  the  collection  of  birds  made  by  Prof.  Chas.  Hamlin, 
and  at  present  the  property  of  Colby  University,  a  specimen  of 
lis  bird  taken  at  Waterville.     Upon  this  evidence  we  may  admit 
ic  species  to  the  list  as  accidental.     Mr.  J.  Waldo  Xash  of  Nor- 


124  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

way,  Me.,  writes  me  that  he  has  seen  two  of  these  birds  there,  but 
unfortunately  he  did  not  procure  either  of  them  so  as  to  positively 
verify  the  record. 

Genus  TROGLODYTES  Vieillot. 
Subgenus  TROGLODYTES. 

300.  (721).     Troglodytes  aedon  Vieill.     House  Wren. 
Formerly  quite  common  in  many  places  where  it  does  not  now 

occur.  Being  a  typical  bird  of  the  Alleghauian  fauna,  we  need 
only  look  for  it  within  these  limits,  and  here  it  was  formerly  locally 
abundant.  It  was  formerly  common  in  Penobscot  County,  near 
Bangor,  but  has  not  been  observed  there  for  ten  years.  In  other 
portions  of  the  state  this  species  seems  likewise  to  be  con- 
tracting its  northern  range. 

County  Records. — Audroscoggiu,  "tolerably  common  summer  resident'' 
(Call) ;  Cumberland,  "not  seen  in  many  years,  formerly  occurred'' 
(Mead)  ;  Franklin,  "rare  summer  resident"  (Richards)  ;  Hancock,  "some 
years  ago  a  pair  built  in  a  bird  house  in  my  yard"  (Dorr)  ;  Kennebec 
(Given  in  Hamlin's  List  of  the  Birds  of  Waterville,  Report  of  Maine 
Board  of  Agriculture,  1865,  pp.  168-173)  ;  Knox,  "formerly  occasional 
visitant"  (Norton) ;  Oxford,  "breeds  commonly"  (Nash)  ;  Penobscot, 
"formerly  nested  in  Bangor,  not  reported  for  ten  years"  (Knight)  ;  Som- 
erset "rare  summer  resident"  (Morrell). 

Subgeuus  ANORTHURA  Rennie. 

301.  (722).     Troglodytes  hiemalis  Vieill.     Winter  Wren. 

A  good  test  species  of  the  Canadian  fauna,  and  quite  a  common 
summer  resident  within  its  limits,  while  elsewhere  it  is  a  common 
migrant.  A  few  individuals  may  remain  through  winter  in  the 
southern  counties. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "fairly  common  migrant"  (Johnson)  ; 
Aroostook,  "breeds  at  Houlton"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol. 
7,  p.  109)  ;  Cumberland,  "rare  migrant"  (Mead) ;  Franklin,  "rare  sum- 
mer resident"  (Richards) ;  Hancock,  "summer  resident"  (Knight) ; 
Kenuebec,  "rare  migrant"  (Larrabee)  ;  Knox,  "winter"  (Rackliff  )  ; 
Oxford,  "breeds  commonly"  (Nash)  ;  Penobscot,  "quite  common  summer 
resident"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "common  summer  resident"  (Homer)  ; 
Somerset,  "quite  common  summer  Tesident"  (Morrell)  ;  Waldo,  "sum- 
mer resident"  (Spratt)  ;  Washington,  "summer  resident,  not  abundant' 
(Boardmau)  ;  York,  "migrant"  (Adams). 


«»K     MAIXK.  125 


Family  CERTHIID^E.     Creepers. 
Genus  CERTHIA  Linna?us. 

302.  (726).     Certbia  familiaris  americana    (Bonat).).     Brown 
Creeper. 

Common  in  migrations,  quite  common  summer  resident  of  the 
Canadian  fauna,  and  some  winters  it  also  occurs. 

County  Records.  —  Androscoggin,  "'common  migrant"  (Johnson)  ; 
Aroostook,  "breeds  at  Houlton  and  Fort  Fairfield''  (Batchelder,  Bull. 
Xutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  109)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  migrant" 
(Mead)  ;  Franklin,  "rare  summer  resident"  (Swain)  ;  Keuuebec,  "quite 
common  resident"  (Powers);  Knox,  "migrant"  (Rackliff);  Oxford, 
"common,  breeds"  (Xash)  ;  Penobscot,  "summer  resident  and  have  seen 
it  also  in  February"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "some  years  resident" 
(Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  migrant"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "com- 
mon resident"  (Morrell)  ;  Waldo,  (Spratt)  ;  Washington,  "not  very 
common,  breeds''  (Boardman)  ;  York,  fairly  common  vernal  migrant" 
(Adams). 

Family  PARID^K.      Nuthatches  and  Tits. 

Subfamily  SITTING.     Nuthatches. 

Genus  SITTA  Linnaeus. 

303.  (727).     Sitta   carolineiisis    Lath.     White-breasted    Nut- 
hatch. 

Common  and  of  general  occurrence  in  migrations,  also  less 
abundant  as  a  permanent  resident. 

County  Records.  —  Audroscoggin,  "fairly  common  resident"  (Call)  ; 
Aroostook,  "occurs  at  Houlton"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club, 
Vol.  7,  p.  109)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  resident"  (Mead)  ;  "uncommon 
in  migrations  and  winter"  (Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  5)  ; 
Franklin,  "common  resident"  (Swain)  ;  Hancock,  "summer  resident" 
(Murch)  ;  Kennebec,  "quite  common  resident"  (Gardiner  Branch)  ; 
Kuox,  "rare  migrant"  (Rackliff)  ;  Oxford,  "breeds"'  (Xash)  ;  Peuobscot, 
••MTV  common  migrant,  rare  in  summer  and  exceedingly  so  in  winter" 
(Knight);  Piscataquis,  "common  resident"  (Homer);  Sagadahoc, 
f  Spratt)  ;  Somerset,  "not  common  resident"  (Morrell)  ;  Waldo,  (Spratt)  ; 
Washington,  "rare,  breeds*'  (Boardman)  ;  York,  "not  very  common'' 
(Adams). 

304.  (728).     Sitta  canadensis  Linn.     Red-breasted  Nuthatch. 

Resident  within  the  Canadian  fauna,  slightly  more  abundant  in 
summer.  Elsewhere  chiefly  occurs  as  a  migrant  and  winter  resi- 
dent, common. 


126  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

County  Records. — Audroscoggin,  "rare  summer  resident*'  (Johnson)  ; 
Aroostook,  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  109)  ;  Cumber- 
land, "common  winter  migrant'"  (Mead)  ;  Franklin,  "common  resident'' 
(Richards)  ;  Hancock,  "breeds  on  the  wooded  islands  of  Penobscot  Bay, 
and  also  common  inland"  (Knight) ;  Kennebec,  "quite  common  summer 
resident*'  (Gardiner  Branch)  ;  Knox,  "resident''  (Rackliff )  ;  Oxford, 
"common  resident,  breeds"  (Nash) ;  Peuobscot,  "resident,  breeds  com- 
monly" (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "common  summer  resident"  (Homer)  ; 
Sagadahoc,  "common  winter  resident,  one  pair  remained  one  summer*' 
(Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "common,  not  common  summer  resident"  (Mor- 
rell)  ;  Waldo,  (Spratt)  ;  Washington,  "abundant,  breeds*'  (Boardmau) ; 
York,  "quite  common  resident"  (Adams). 


Subfamily  PARING.      Titmice. 

Genus  PARUS  Linnteus. 
Subgenus  PARUS  Linnaeus. 

305.  (735.)     Parus  atricapillus  Linn.     Chickadee. 

One  of  our  commonest  resident  species,  occurring  everywhere. 
This  confiding,  curiosity  loving  bird  pronounces  its  name  very 
plainly  upon  every  occasion,  so  there  is  no  need  of  its  going  uniden- 
tified, even  by  the  merest  tyro.  I  have  often  while  in  the  woods 
drawn  a  small  band  of  these  birds  to  within  a  few  feet  of  me  by 
imitating  their  call,  or  by  making  a  whistling  or  squeaking  noise. 
In  addition  to  their  cry  of  "chick-a-dee-dee"  they  utter  a  great 
variety  of  chirps  and  whistles.  In  the  spring  time  their  mating 
call  is  a  sweet,  whistled  succession  of  two  or  three  notes  which 
cannot  readily  be  put  on  paper. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "abundant  resident"  (Johnson) ; 
Aroostook,  "Fort  Fairfield  and  Houlton"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn. 
Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  109)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  resident"  (Mead)  ;  Frank- 
lin, common  resident"  (Swain) ;  Hancock,  "common  resident,  especially 
common  on  the  wooded  islands"  (Knight)  ;  Kennebec,  "abundant  resi- 
dent" (Gardiner  Branch) ;  Kuox,  "resident"  (Racklift) ;  Oxford,  "breeds 
commonly*'  (Nash)  ;  Penobscot,  "common  resident"  (Knight) ;  Piscata- 
quis, "common  resident"  (Homer) ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  resident" 
(Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "common  resident"  (Morrell) ;  Waldo,  "common 
resident"  (Knight) ;  Washington,  "common  resident*'  (Boardmau) ; 
York,  "common  resident"  (Adams). 

306.  (740).     Parus  hudsouicus  Forst.     Hudsonian  Chickadee. 
Chiefly  occurring  as  a  somewhat  rare  winter  visitor.     It  also  is 

resident  in  the  extreme  northern  and  eastern  counties,  though  very 


15IRDS    OF    MAIM..  127 

rare  in  this  guise.  It  has  been  reported  by  Dr.  Brewer  as  being 
seen  on  Mt.  Desert  in  summer,  July  and  August,  this  being  the 
southernmost  record  for  summer. 

County  Records. — Audroscoggin,  "rare  winter  visitor"  (Johnson); 
Cumberland,  "rare"  (Mead)  ;  Franklin,  "rare  winter  resident"  (Rich- 
:ti.U  -.  Hancock,  "winter  migrant"  (March)  ;  Oxford,  "occurs  at  Upton" 
(Brewster,  Bull.  Xutt.  Oru.  Club,  Vol.  3,  p.  20);  Penobscot,  "winter 
visitor  of  variable  abundance,  usually  rare"  (Knight) ;  Piscataquis, 
"common  winter  visitor"  (Homer) ;  Washington,  "not  common,  a  few 
breed"  (Board man). 

Family  SYLVIIDJE.     Warblers,  Kinglets,  Gnatcatchers. 

Subfamily  REGULIN^E.     Kinglets. 

Genus  REGULUS  Cuvier. 

307.  (748).     Regulus  satrapa  Licht.     Golden -crowned   King- 
let. 

Of  general  distribution  throughout  our  limits  and  resident  to  a 
certain  extent.  While  most  abundant  in  fall  and  spring,  these 
birds  are  not  uncommon  in  winter,  being  usually  seen  in  flocks 
associated  with  Nuthatches,  Chickadees  and  Creepers.  In  the 
summer  they  resort  to  the  topmost  branches  of  the  taller  ever- 
greens, and  here  the  nest  is  usually  situated. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "common  winter  resident"  (John- 
son) ;  Cumberland,  "properly  a  summer  resident,  suspect  a  few  remain 
through  winter,  abundant  in  migrations"  (Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Port- 
land, p.  5)  ;  "common  winter  migrant"  (Mead)  ;  Franklin,  "common 
migrant"  (Swain)  ;  Hancock,  "have  seen  it  in  summer"  (Knight)  ;  Ken- 
nebec,  "very  rare  winter  resident"  (Powers)  ;  Knox,  "resident"  (Rack- 
liff) ;  Oxford,  "common"  (Nash) ;  Penobscot.  "common  in  summer, 
breeds,  abundant  in  migrations,  rare  in  winter"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis, 
"resident"  (Whitman) ;  Sagadahoc,  "migrant,  common  in  fall  of  1896" 
(Spinney)  ;  Somerset,  "common,  a  frequent  summer  resident"  (Morrell)  ; 
Waldo,  "summer  resident"  (Spratt)  ;  Washington,  "quite  common,  a  few 
winter,  rarely  breeds"  (Boardman) ;  York,  "not  common  migrant" 
(Adams). 

308.  (749).      Regulus    calendula     (Linn.).      Ruby-crowned 
Kinglet. 

Not  so  common  as  the  preceeding,  and  more  likely  to  be  seen  in 
the  migrations,  than  at  any  other  season.  Winters  south  of  the 
state  and  in  summer  the  majority  pass  north  of  our  boundaries. 
However  it  is  an  indisputable  fact  that  a  limited  number  occasionally 


128  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

remain  here  through  the  summer.  On  May  31,  1897,  while  collect- 
ing in  a  thick  woods  of  mixed  spruce  and  fir,  my  attention  was 
attracted  by  the  constantly  recurring  song  of  a  Kinglet.  With  the 
aid  of  a  pair  of  opera  glasses  I  located  the  songster,  and  found 
that  he  was  accompanied  by  his  mate  who  was  engaged  in  building 
her  nest.  She  would  seek  suitable  material  in  the  immediate 
vicinity,  and  with  her  mouth  filled  with  huge  pieces  of  moss, 
gleaned  from  the  tree  trunks,  she  would  repair  to  the  top  of  a 
spruce  tree  which  was  near  at  hand.  I  climbed  the  tree  and  located 
the  nest  near  the  extremity  of  a  limb,  25  feet  from  the  ground,  but 
well  concealed  from  observation  from  below.  It  was  then  a  mere 
foundation  of  mosses  and  had  evidently  just  been  commenced. 
The  birds  were  somewhat  shy,  but  by  careful  observation  I  failed 
to  detect  the  yellow  crown  patch  of  satrapa,  nor  was  I  able  to  fully 
satisfy  myself  that  they  were  calendula.  I  made  a  number  of  sub- 
sequent visits  to  the  nest  and  watched  the  actions  of  the  birds, 
becoming  fully  satisfied  of  their  identity.  On  June  15th  the  nest 
was  ready  to  be  lined,  and  I  did  not  again  visit  it  until  the  24th, 
when  I  found  it  was  deserted,  this  doubtless  being  due  to  my 
unusually  close  examination  of  it  during  my  previous  visit. 

The  nest,  which  is  now  in  my  possession,  was  situated  near  the 
end  of  a  limb,  25  feet  from  the  ground  and  about  8  feet  from  the 
main  trunk.  It  was  supported  by  a  number  of  small  twigs  which 
drooped  from  the  limb  and  was  directly  under  it.  Exteriorly  it  is 
composed  of  mosses,  mostly  such  species  as  grow  on  the  trunks  of 
trees,  mixed  with  a  few  lichens  of  the  genus  Cladonia,  Parmelia, 
and  Usnea.  Viewed  from  a  distance  of  a  few  feet  it  looked  like  a 
green  ball  of  moss.  Interiorly  it  is  composed  of  Usnea  longissima, 
closely  interwoven  and  intimately  mixed  with  feathers  and  small 
quantities  of  moss.  The  lining  is  not  completed.  The  exterior 
depth  is  four  and  the  interior  three  inches,  while  the  outside  diame- 
ter is  three  and  the  inside  one  and  one-half  inches.  A  few  days 
later  I  visited  the  same  woods,  obtained  a  glimpse  of  the  birds, 
and  heard  the  song  of  the  male,  but  soon  lost  sight  of  them.  The 
locality  was  about  four  miles  from  Orouo,  Penobscot  County. 

County  Records. — Androseoggin,,  "fairly  common"'  (Johnson)  ;  Cum- 
berland, "common  transient"  (Brown's  Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  5); 
Franklin,  "comrnon'migrant"  (Richards)  ;  Hancock,  "occurs,  status  not 
known"  (Knight)  ;  Kennebec,  "very  rare  migrant"  (Dill)  ;  Kuox,  "rare 


r.IUDS    OF    MAINK.  129 

migrant"  (Kacklift):  Oxford.  -Tan'"  (Xash  >  :  I'enobscot,  "common 
migrant,  rare  summer  ivsid.'tit";  Knight)  ;  Piscataquis.  ••common  migrant'* 
(Homer,  :  Sagadahoe.  "rare.  one  specimen"  (Spinney);  Somerset,  "rare. 
havt-  «>iice  seen  it  when  I  was  sure  it  was  breeding"  (Morrell)  ;  Wash- 
ington. "rare,  may  breed'1  (Boardman)  ;  York,  -not  common  migrant" 
(Adams). 

Subfamily  POLIOPTILINjE.  Gnatetitchers. 
POLIOPTLLA  Sclater. 


309.  (751).     Polioptila    ca-rulca    (Linn.),     Blue-gray    Gnat- 
catcher. 

An  accidental  cstray  from  the  south,  only  two  positive  instances 
of  its  occurrence  being  known.  These  both  rest  on  the  excellent 
authority  of  Mr.  Brown.  One  of  these  was  observed  at  Cape 
Elizabeth,  Cumberland  County,  August  21),  1880.  (Brown's  Cat. 
Birds  of  Portland,  p.  5).  The  second  example  of  this  species  was 
observed  at  the  same  place,  April  18,  1896.  (Cf.  Brown,  The 
Auk,  Vol.  13,  p.  204). 

Family    Tl'RDIlKK.      Thrushes,    Solitaires,    Stonechats,    Blue- 

birds, etc. 

Subfamily  'ITHDIXJ-:.     Thrushes. 

Genus  TURDUS  Limm-us. 
Subgenus  HYLOC1CHLA  Baird. 

310.  (755).     Turdus  mustelinus  Gmel.     Wood  Thrush. 

Of  rare  occurrence  as  a  summer  resident,  being  found  only  near 
the  southern  and  southwestern  boundaries. 

County  Itecords.  —  Franklin,  ;*rare  summer  resident,  have   taken   nest, 

__-and  bird"   (Swain);  Keuuebec,  "given    in    Smith's  List  as  having 

ii.M-n   taken    at    Vassalboro"    (Cf.   Smith's  List  of  the  Birds  of  Maine, 

-t    and    Stream);  Oxford,    "have  secured  two  sets  of   eggs  during 

a  period    of   eight    year-"    (Nash);    York,   "taken    at    Saco"    (Goodale, 

The  Auk.  Vol.  -2.  p.  215). 

'Ml.      (75(5).     Turdus  fuscesceus  Steph.     Wilson's  Thrush. 

A  common  summer  resident,  most  abundant  in  the  counties  of 
the  Alleghanian  fauna,  although  not  uncommon  in  the  extreme 
northern  and  eastern  counties. 


130  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

Count y  Records.— Androscoggiu,  "common  summer  resident"  (John- 
sou)  ;  Aroostook,  "breeds  at  Houlton"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Nutt.  Oru. 
club,  Vol.  7,  p.  108)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  summer  resident"  (Brown's 
Cat.  Birds  of  Portland,  p.  3),  "rare"  (Mead) ;  Franklin,  "common  sum- 
mer resident"  (Swain)  ;  Hancock,  "common  summer  resident"  (Dorr) ; 
Kennebec,  "common  summer  resident"  (Gardiner  Branch) ;  Oxford, 
"breeds  commonly"  (Nash)  ;  Penobscot,  "quite  common  summer  resi- 
dent" (Knight)  ;  Sagadahoc,  (Spratt)  ;  Somerset,  "common  summer  resi- 
dent" (Morrell)  ;  Waldo,  (Spratt) ;  Washington,  "not  uncommon  summer 
resident"  (Boardrnan)  ;  York,  "common  summer  resident"  (Adams). 

312.  (757).     Turdus  aliciae  Baird.     Gray-cheeked  Thrush. 
Occurs  within  our  limits  as  a  migrant   only,   breeding   north  of 

the  United  States.  While  it  must  occur  in  considerable  numbers 
during  the  migrations,  the  fact  remains  that  it  has  escaped  the 
notice  of  nearly  all  the  collectors  of  the  state,  doubtless  owing  to 
the  resemblance  to  its  near  relative,  the  Olive-backed  Thrush. 

County  Records. — Cumberland,  ''uncommon  transient"  (Brown's  Cat. 
Birds  of  Portland,  p.  3). 

313.  (758a).     Turdus    ustulatus    swainsonii    (Cab.).     Olive- 
backed  Thrush. 

A  somewhat  rare  summer  resident  in  many  parts  of  the  state, 
while  in  some  places  it  is  common.  During  the  nesting  season  it 
need  not  be  looked  for  except  within  the  Canadian  fauna,  while 
elsewhere  it  occurs  in  the  migrations. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "rare  summer  resident"  (Johnson) ; 
Aroostook,  "Fort  Fairfleld  and  Houltou"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn. 
Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  108)  ;  Cumberland,  "rare  migrant"  (Mead)  ;  Franklin, 
"rare  summer  resident"  (Richards) ;  Hancock,  "summer  resident" 
(Murch)  ;  Kennebec,  "very  rare  summer  resident"  (Robbius)  ;  Kuox, 
"summer"  (Rackliflf) ;  Oxford,  "breeds  rarely"  (Nash);  Penobscot, 
"not  common  summer  resident"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "common  sum- 
mer resident"  (Homer) ;  Washington,  "not  common  summer  resident" 
(Boardman). 

314.  (759b).     Turdus  aonalaschkre  pallasii  (Cab.).     Hermit 
Thrush. 

Our  commonest  Thrush  as  a  migrant  and  summer  resident.  I 
have  seen  it  in  late  October  and  also  early  April. 

County  Records. — Androscoggin,  "fairly  common  summer  resident" 
(Johnson);  Cumberland,  "common  summer  resident"  (Brown's  Cat. 
Birds  of  Portland,  p.  3),  "common  summer  resident"  (Mead)  ;  Franklin, 
"common  summer  resident"  (Swain) ;  Hancock,  "summer  resident" 


OF    MAIXK.  131 


(Murch)  ;  Kenuebec,  "common  summer  resident"  ((iardiner  Branch); 
Kuox,  "summer"  (  IJ.-u-klitV)  ;  Oxford,  "breeds  commonly"  i  Na-h  : 
Penobscot,  "common  summer  resident  and  breeder"  (Knight)  :  l'iscat:i- 
quis,  "common  summer  resident"  (Homer);  Sagadahoc,  ''common 
summer  resident*'  (Spinney);  Somerset,  "not  very  comm«>n  summer 
ivsidi'iit"  (Morrell);  Waldo,  "common  summer  resident"  (Knight); 
Washington,  "abundant  summer  resident"  (Boardman)  ;  York,  (Adams). 

Genus  MERULA  Leach. 

315.  (761).     Merula  migratoria  (/,//<//.).     American  Robin. 
An  abundant  summer  resident  everywhere.     It   has    also   been 

observed  in  winter  near  our  southern  boundary,  but  probably  does 
not  regularly  remain  throughout  the  entire  season. 

County  Records.  —  Androscoggiu,  "abundant  summer  resident"  (John- 
son) ;  Aroostook,  "seen  at  Fairfield"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Nutt.  Orn.  Club, 
Vol.  7,  p.  108)  ;  Cumberland,  "common  summer  resident"  (Mead)  ; 
Franklin,  "common  summer  resident"  (Swain)  ;  Hancock,  "common 
summer  resident"  (Murch)  ;  Keunebec,  "abundant  summer  resident" 
(Gardiner  Branch);  Kuox,  "summer  resident"  (Rackliff);  Oxford, 
"breeds  commonly"  (Xash)  ;  Penobscot,  "abundant  summer  resident, 
April  to  Xovember"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "common  summer  resident" 
(Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  summer  resident"  (Spinney)  ;  Somerset, 
"common  summer  resident"  (Morrell)  ;  Waldo,  "common  summer  resi- 
dent" (Knight)  ;  Washington,  "abundant  summer  resident"  (Boardmau)  ; 
York,  "formerly  abundant  summer  resident,  wintered  in  1888  and  1889, 
only  two  nests  seen  in  1896"  (Adams). 

Genus  SIALIA  Swainson. 

316.  (766).     Sialia  sialis  (Lhm.).     Bluebird. 

Formerly  of  common  and  general  occurrence  as  a  summer  resi- 
dent. During  the  past  two  years,  1895  and  1896,  the  species  has 
been  of  very  rare  occurrence  in  most  places,  although  locally  com- 
mon in  a  few  places. 

County  Records.  —  Androscoggin,  "common  summer  resident"  (John- 
son) ;  Aroostook,  "breeding  at  Houltou"  (Batchelder,  Bull.  Xutt.  Orn. 
Club,  Vol.  7,  p.  109);  Cumberland,  "common  (?)  summer  resident"' 
(Mead);  Franklin,  "summer  resident,  not  common  at  present"  (Swain) 
Hancock,  "rare  summer  resident"  (Murch)  ;  Kenuebec,  "very  rare  sum- 
mer resident"  (Powers)  ;  Kuox,  "summer"  (Rackliff)  ;  Oxford,  "breeds" 
(Xash);  Penobscot,  "formerly  common,  now  rare,  only  about  fifteen 
seen  in  the  past  two  years"  (Knight)  ;  Piscataquis,  "common  summer 
resident"  (Homer)  ;  Sagadahoc,  "common  summer  resident"  (Spinney)  ; 
Somerset,  "formerly  a  common  summer  resident,  for  the  past  two  years 
a  rare  migrant"  (Morrell)  ;  Waldo,  (Spratt)  ;  Washington,  "not  common 
summer  resident"  (Boardmau)  ;  York,  "rare  visitant,  formerly  common" 
(Adams). 


132  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

INTRODUCED   SPECIES. 

This  list  contains  such  birds  as  have  been  introduced  into  the 
state,  never  having  naturally  occurred  here,  and  which  have  been 
known  to  breed  after  their  liberation.  Such  species  as  the  Prairie 
Hen,  Sharp-tailed  Grouse,  Capercailzie,  Black  Grouse  and  Euro- 
pean Quail,  which  were  either  let  loose  in  limited  numbers  and 
known  not  to  have  survived,  or  whose  survival  and  breeding  is  in 
doubt,  are  not  considered  entitled  to  a  place  in  this  list. 

317.  Columba  livia.     Domestic  Pigeon. 

Although  introduced  by  man  and  originally  domesticated,  this 
species  has  escaped  and  breeds  abundantly  in  the  cornices  of  dwell- 
ings, deserted  lofts,  bridges  and  similar  situations  within  our 
larger  towns  and  cities.  It  is  therefor  seemingly  entitled  to  a  place 
in  this  list.  These  birds  are  not  at  all  particular  regarding  the 
time  of  the  year  they  choose  for  nesting.  This  present  winter, 
1897,  I  have,  during  the  month  of  February,  seen  Pigeons  engaged 
in  incubating  their  eggs  in  nests  in  the  cornices  of  houses,  exposed 
to  the  force  of  every  storm.  One  such  nest  I  passed  every  day  on 
my  way  down  town.  In  late  January  I  also  saw  a  young  bird,  not 
long  from  the  nest  and  still  unable  to  fly  very  well.  From  their 
filthy  habits  they  are  very  undesirable  neighbors  about  houses  and 
churches,  though  from  this  statement  one  should  not  infer  that  the 
birds  themselves  are  dirty.  It  is  the  dirt  they  strew  around  that 
makes  their  presence  Undesirable. 

318.  Passer  domesticus  (Linn.).     English  Sparrow. 
Although    commonly    known   as   English   Sparrow  because   this 

bird  was  imported  from  England,  the  true  name  is  European  House 
Sparrow.  It  was  first  introduced  to  the  state  in  1854.  when  Col. 
William  Rhodes  liberated  specimens  at  Portland.  (Cf.  Rhodes, 
Forest  and  Stream,  Vol.  8,  p.  165).  Others  were  liberated  in  the 
same  locality  in  1858,  by  T.  A.  Dtibois.  (Cf.  The  English  Spar- 
row in  N.  A.,  p.  18).  Some  individuals,  who  thought  they  were 
conferring  a  great  benefit  upon  us,  afterward  liberated  some  of 
these  birds  at  Bangor  and  Lewis  ton.  From  these  centers  of  infec- 
tion the  curse  has  spread  until  the  entire  state  is  involved.  Origi- 
nally introduced  in  hopes  they  would  exterminate  injurious  insects, 
the  birds  have  swarmed  over  the  entire  state,  although  confined 


I'.IKDS    OF    MAINE.  133 

mainly  to  the  vicinity  of  towns,  villages  and  cities.  The  few  insects 
they  eat  are  mainly  such  as  have  been  attracted  to  street  lights,  and 
would  have  perished  without  the  interference  of  the  Sparrow-. 
Their  food  is  chiefly  vegetable  matter,  consisting  in  a  great  part 
of  the  undigested  portions  of  grain  in  horse  droppings,  although  they 
do  not  disdain  bread,  wheat  and  other  delicacies  which  may  be  strewn 
by  friendly  hands  for  their  benefit.  Being  resident,  they  take  pos- 
session of  the  bird  houses  erected  for  the  benefit  of  the  Purple 
Martin  and  Tree  Swallow  while  these  latter  are  south  for  the  win- 
ter, and  upon  the  return  of  the  rightful  owners  a  fierce  struggle  for 
the  nesting  place  results,  although  the  Martins  usuall}7  prove 
victorious.  Were  the  Sparrows  of  any  great  benefit  their  presence 
could  be  endured,  but  they  are  not  only  useless,  but  uoisy,  quarrel- 
some, and  often  directly  injurious.  I  have  seen  them  in.  large 
flocks,  feeding  on  oats  and  wheat  standing  in  the  fields  near 
Bangor.  Their  huge  filthy  nests  of  straw  and  rubbish  are  placed  in 
every  conceivable  situation,  from  the  limb  of  a  tree  or  the  shelf  of 
an  electric  street-light,  to  the  cornice  of  a  building  or  a  hole  in  the 
eaves.  When  present  in  numbers,  they  paint  and  bespatter 
buildings  with  their  filth.  The  very  slight  amount  of  good  which 
they  do  by  destroying  injurious  insects,  would  have  been  done  far 
better  and  without  half  the  bluster  by  the  native  birds  that  these 
foreigners  have  dispossessed.  As  regards  distribution,  we  may 
safely  say  they  are  found  in  every  town,  village  and  city  through- 
out the  state.  Recently  while  driving  from  Fort  Fairfield  to  Lime- 
stone in  Aroostook  County,  I  was  surprised  to  notice  from  one  to 
three  or  more  pair  of  these  birds  at  nearly  every  country  dwelling 
which  I  passed.  They  probably  found  abundance  of  food  during 
the  summer  months,  but  when  winter  came  they  must  either  have 
been  fed  b}7  the  inmates  of  the  farmhouses,  or  forced  to  retreat  to 
the  neighboring  towns  which  were  at  least  seven  miles  dis- 
tant from  some  of  the  localities  where  the  Sparrows  were  seen.  I 
can  personally  vouch  to  having  seen  the  pests  in  every  county  in 
the  state. 


134  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 


HYPOTHETICAL   LIST. 

I  have  consigned  to  this  list  such  species  as  probably  occur  in 
the  state,  but  whose  occurrence  has  not  been  proved  by  the  actual 
capture  of  specimens  within  our  limits.  Here  also  are  men- 
tioned birds  recorded  from  Maine  or  New  England  by  previous 
authors,  but  which  are  now  positively  known  not  to  have  been 
taken  within  the  actual  limits  of  the  state,  although  many  have 
been  taken  very  near  our  boundaries.  Under  each  species  its 
status  or  probable  status  will  be  found  outlined  in  as  comprehen- 
sive a  manner  as  the  information  at  my  disposal  will  allow.  Many 
birds  taken  at  Grand  Men  an  and  other  islands  of  that  vicinity, 
which  are  politically  a  part  of  New  Brunswick,  have  been  given  as 
Maine  birds  by  previous  writers  on  the  subject.  Such  will  be 
found  discussed  here  to  a  greater  or  lesser  extent. 

Family  URINATORID^E.     Loons. 
Genus  URINATOR  Cuvier. 

1.  (9).     Urinator  arcticus  (Linn.).     Black-throated  Loon. 

This  species  is  given  in  the  A.  O.  U.  Check  List  of  North  Amer- 
ican Birds  as  being  of  casual  occurrence  in  autumn  and  winter  in 
the  northern  United  States,  east  of  the  Rocky  Mountains.  In 
Smith's  List  of  the  Birds  of  Maine  this  species  is  given,  but  its 
occurrence  does  not  seem  to  be  satisfactorily  shown.  There  is  no 
doubt  but  what  it  will  probably  be  added  to  our  list  upon  the  best 
of  evidence  before  many  years  have  gone  by. 

Family  ALCID^E.     Auks,  Murres,  and  Puffins. 
Genus  CEPPHUS  Pallas. 

2.  (28).     Cepphus  mandtii  (Licht.).     Mandt's  Guillemot. 

The  A.  O.  U.  Check  List  gives  this  species  as  being  found  along 
the  Atlantic  coast,  in  winter  as  far  south  as  Massachusetts.  In 
view  of  this  fact  it  is  highly  probable  that  it  will  ultimately  be 
found  to  be  a  fairly  regular  winter  visitant  to  our  coast.  On 
account  of  the  resemblance  of  this  species  to  the  Black  Guillemot 
it  would  easily  pass  unrecognized  except  by  Ornithologists. 


BIRDS    OF    MAIM  . 


135 


Family   LARID^E.     Gulls  and  Terns. 
Genus  GAVIA  Boie. 

3.  (39).     Gavia  alba  (Gunn.).     Ivory  Gull. 

A  specimen  has  been  taken  by  Mr.  Boardman  at  Grand  Menan, 
New  Brunswick,  and  hence  it  is  accorded  a  place  in  this  part  of 
the  list,  although  it  has  no  claim  as  a  bird  of  the  state  and  is  not 
likely  to  be  taken  within  our  limits. 

Genus  LARUS  Linnaeus. 

4.  (4f>).      Lams  kumlieni  Brewst.     Kumlien's  Gull. 

Probably  a  regular  winter  visitor  to  the  state,  and  doubtless 
commoner  than  would  seem  possible  from  the  few  reports  received 
concerning  it.  Mr.  Harry  Merrill  of  Bangor  has  a  specimen  of 
this  bird,  shot  in  the  vicinity  of  Eastport  and  possibly  in  Maine 
waters,  although  very  near  to  the  New  Brunswick  limits.  This 
species  is  also  referred  to  in  Smith's  List  of  the  Birds  of  Maine,  in 
the  Forest  and  Suva  in  for  April  12,  1883,  under  the  White-winged 
(iull  *of  which  Mr.  Smith  considers  this  bird  a  mere  phase  of 
plumage.  In  a  recent  letter  from  Mr.  Smith  he  says:  "I  have 
examined  a  number  of  them  in  the  flesh  but  have  never  shot  them 
here,  although  I  have  observed  them  alive  in  Portland  Harbor  and 
at  Scarboro."  While  this  evidence  is  almost  sufficient  to  give  the 
bird  a  place  in  the  list,  still  there  seems  to  be  some  slight  tinge  of 
doubt  that  positively  identified  specimens  have  actually  been  taken 
in  the  state,  and  until  this  is  proved  beyond  a  doubt  it  will  have  to 
be  assigned  to  the  hypothetical  list. 

Family  PROCF,LLARIID^E.     Fulmars  and  Shearwaters. 

Genus  FULMARUS  Stephens, 
f).      (86).     Fulmarus  glacialis  (Linn.}.     Fulmar. 

This  is  reported  as  a  winter  seabird  at  Grand  Menan,  by  Mr. 
Boardmnn.  It  is  also  given  in  the  A.  O.  U.  List  as  occurring  as 
far  south  as  Xt-w  Jersey.  While  there  is  no  reasonable  doubt  but 
what  it  occurs  as  a  winter  visitor  along  the  coast,  yet  there 
have  been  no  specimens  recorded  from  the  state. 

*Larus  leucopterus  Faber,  or  Iceland  Gull. 


136  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

6.  (86  a).  Fulmarus  glacialis  minor  ( Kjcerbwlling) .  Lesser 
Fulmar. 

Given  in  the  A.  O.  U.  List  as  occurring  south  to  Massachusetts. 
It  will  probably  be  found  associated  with  the  preceding  species 
along  our  coast,  and  it  is  only  a  question  of  time  when  both  will 
be  added  to  our  list. 


Genus  PROCELLABIA  Linnaeus. 

7.  (104).     Procellaria  pelagica  Linn.     Stormy  Petrel. 

Given  by  Mr.  Boardman  as  of  accidental  occurrence  at  Grand 
Menan.  It  is  quite  likely  to  occur  accidentally  along  our  coast. 

Family  FREGATID7E.     Man-o'-War  Birds. 
Genus  FREGATA  Brisson. 

8.  (128).     Fregata  aquila  Linn.     Man-o'-War  Bird. 

Given  in  Smith's  List  of  the  Birds  of  Maine,  Forest  and  Stream, 
Vol.  20,  p.  185,  as  a  straggler  past  the  Maine  coast  to  Nova 
Scotia,  where  it  has  been  taken.  It  does  not  seem  advisable  to 
admit  a  species  to  the  state  on  such  presumptive  evidence. 
Steam's  "New  England  Bird  Life"  p.  342,  says  :  "Mr.  Purdie's 
manuscript  informs  us  that  a  specimen  was  taken,  but  not  pre- 
served, about  twelve  years  ago,  at  Boothbay,  Maine".  This  does 
not  seem  perfectly  satisfactory  grounds  for  admitting  the  species 
to  the  list. 

Family  ANATID^E.     Ducks,  Geese,  and  Swans. 
Genus  CAMPTOLAIMUS  Gray. 

9.  (156).       Camptolaimus    labradorius     (Gmel.}.      Labrador 
Duck. 

This  species  probably  formerly  occurred  along  our  coast  in  winter 
but  has  not  been  taken  of  late  years.  The  last  known  example  was 
taken  at  Grand  Menan,  N.  B.,  in  1871,  and  Ornithologists  now  be- 
lieve that  the  species  is  extinct.  Mr.  Boardman  gives  the  species  as 
formerly  occurring  at  Grand  Menau. 


IJIRPS    OF    MAINE.  137 

Genus  CHEN  Boie. 
10.      (169.1).     Chen  cierulescens  (Linn.}.     Blue  Goose. 

This  species  will  probably  be  taken  within  our  limits  at  some 
future  date.  A  specimen  was  shot  at  Lake  Umbagog,  New 
Hampshire,  October  2,  1896,  by  Mr.  Charles  Douglass.  (Cf. 
,  The  Auk,  April,  1897,  p.  207). 


(ieuus  ANSER  Brisson. 

11.  (171a).     Auser   albifrons   gambeli    (Hartl.).      American 
White-fronted  Goose. 

Given  by  Mr.  Boardman  as  accidental  at  Grand  Menan,  New 
Brunswick. 

Subfamily  CYGNINJE.     Swans. 
Genus  OLOR  Wagler. 

12.  (180).     Olor  columbianus  (Ord).     Whistling  Swan. 

A  specimen  of  this  bird  is  said  to  have  been  taken  near  the 
mouth  of  the  Kennebec  River,  at  Brick  Island,  November,  1881.  by 
William  Williams,  and  it  is  recorded  by  Smith  in  Forest  and 
Stream,  Vol.  20,  p.  125.  While  the  identification  of  this  specimen 
was  probably  correct,  still  the  fact  that  it  was  neither  preserved 
nor  seen  by  an  Ornithologist  who  was  acquainted  with  the  species 
in  question,  makes  the  record  open  to  some  slight  doubt,  and  con- 
sequently the  species  is  cited  here. 

Family  ARDEID^E  Herons,  Bitterns,  etc. 

Genus  ARDEA  Linnaeus. 
Subgenus  GARZETTA  Katip. 

13.  (197).     Ardea  candidissima  Gmel.     Snowy  Heron. 
Taken  by  Mr.    Boardmau   at  Grand  Menan,  where  it  was    an 

accidental  visitor  from  the  south. 

Family  RALLID^E.  Rails,  Gallinules,  and  Coots. 

Genus  PORZANA  Vieillot. 
Subgenus  CRECISCUS  Cabanis. 

14.  (216).     Porzaua  jarnaicensis  (Gmel.).     Black  Rail. 


138  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

A  Rail,  probably  of  this  species,  was  shot  at  Scarborough, 
October  4,  1881,  but  unfortunately  was  not  preserved.  For  a 
record  of  this  see  Smith's  List  of  the  Birds  of  Maine,  Forest  and 
Stream,  Vol.  20,  p.  124. 

Family  RECURVIROSTRID.E.  Avocets  and  Stilts. 
Genus  HIMANTOPUS  Brisson. 

15.  (226).      Himantopus   mexicanus    (Mull.).     Black-necked 
Stilt. 

Given  in  Smith's  List  of  the  Birds  of  Maine,  Forest  and  Stream, 
Vol.  20,  p.  124,  as  being  taken  by  Mr.  Boardman  near  the  mouth 
of  the  St.  Croix  River.  In  a  list  received  from  Mr.  Boardman  he 
states  that  this  specimen  was  taken  just  over  the  boundary  in  New 
Brunswick,  so  consequently  it  cannot  be  given  a  place  in  the 
general  list.  It  is  a  purely  accidental  visitant. 

Family  SCOLOPACID^E.  Snipes,  Sandpipers,  etc. 
Genus  MACRORHAMPHUS  Leach. 

16.  (232).     Macrorhamphus  scolopaceus   (Say).     Long-billed 
Dowitcher. 

In  Brown's  Catalogue  of  the  Birds  of  Portland,  page  26,  under 
M.  griseus,  he  says:  "I  am  confident  that  the  western  race, 
scolopaceus,  visits  us  occasionally,  although  I  have  never  met  with 
it  myself.  Supposed  examples  of  this  form  have  twice  been  sent 
me  for  identification,  in  both  instances,  unfortunately,  during  my 
absence  from  town." 

Genus  EREUNETES  Illiger. 

17.  (247).     Ereunetes  occidentals  Laiur.   Western  Sandpiper. 
This  species  is   of  quite  frequent  occurrence    on    the    Atlantic 

coast,  and  may  possibly  be  looked  for  in  this  state. 

Family  CHARADRIIDJE.  Plovers. 

Genus  ^EGIALITIS  Boie. 
Subgenus  OCHTHODROMUS  Reicheubach. 

18.  (280).     ^Egialitis  wilsouiar  (  Ord) .     Wilson's  Plover. 
Given  in  the  A.  O.  U.  Check  List,   page   102,  as  being  casual 

north  to  Nova  Scotia. 


I'.IKDS    OK    MAIXK.  139 

Family  ILKM  ATOPODID^E.  Oyster-catcliers. 
Genus  ILKMATOPUS  Linnrcus. 

19.  (286).     Haem&topus  palliatus   Temm.     American  Oyster- 
catcher. 

Accidental,  a  specimen  having  been  taken  near  Eastport,  Wash- 
ington County,  by  Mr.  Boardman.  (Cf.  Smith,  Forest  and  Stream, 
Vol.  20,  p.  45).  I  am  informed  by  Mr.  Boardman  that  this  bird 
was  really  taken  on  Canadian  soil,  and  consequently  is  not  a  bird  of 

the  state. 

Family  TETRAONID^E.     Grouse,  Partridges,  etc. 
Genus  BONASA  Stephens. 

20.  (300).     Bonasa  umbellus  (Linn.}.     Ruffed  Grouse. 
While  this  species  has  been  given  in  every   previous   state    and 

county  list  published,  yet  there  is  no  positive  proof  that  specimens 
have  actually  been  taken  in  the  state.  Nearly  all  records  of  this 
bird  are  referable  beyond  doubt  to  the  Canadian  Ruffed  Grouse. 
It  has  been  deemed  advisable  to  refer  this  species  to  the  hypothet- 
ical list  until  satisfactory  proof  of  its  presence  in  the  state  has 
been  adduced. 

Family  FRINGILLID^E.     Finches,  Sparrows,  etc. 
Genus  GUIRACA  Swainson. 

21.  (597).     Guiraca  cajrulea  (Linn.).   Blue  Grosbeak. 

In  New  England  Bird  Life  the  author  states  that  this  species 
wa>  recorded  as  being  found  near  Calais  by  Mr.  Boardman  (Proc. 
Bost.  Soc.  Nat.  Hist.,  9,  1832,  p.  127),  and  also  that  it  is 
included  in  Herrick's  ''Catalogue  of  the  Birds  of  Grand  Menan." 
It  is  very  probable,  in  view  of  later  developments,  that  both  of 
these  instances  refer  to  one  specimen  which  was  taken  at  Grand 

The  American  Barn  Owl,  Strix pratincola  Bonnp.,  has  not  a  particle  of  right  to  be 
rated  as  a  Maine  bird.  Smith's  List  cited  it,  apparently  upon  the  evidence  of  the 
notorious  "Falmouth  specimen." 

The  Boat-tailed  Grackle,  fjuiscalus  major  rieill.,  is  given  in  Smith's  List  as  being 
seen  by  him  at  Second  Lake,  Washington  County,  but  personally  I  must  confess 
that  I  doubt  this  record,  and  until  a  specimen  has  been  taken  "within  our  limits, 
1  must  decline  to  recognize  this  species  as  a  bird  of  Maine  or  even  New  England. 
It  is  apparently  not  even  entitled  to  a  place  in  the  hypothetical  list. 


140  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

Menan,  and  accordingly  the  species  is  not  entitled  to  a  place  in  the 
state.  In  a  letter  received  from  Mr.  Boardman  he  gives  this  as  a 
Grand  Menan  bird  only,  two  specimens  having  been  taken  there. 

Family    VIREONID7E.     Vireos. 
Genus  VIREO  Vieillot. 

22.  (631).     Vireo  noveboracensis  (GmeL).  White-eyed  Vireo. 
The  White-eyed  Vireo  was  given  in  Smith's  List,  but  its  claim  to 

a  place  in  our  list  is  not  based  upon  satisfactory  evidence.  Being 
essentially  a  bird  of  the  Carolina  fauna  its  occurrence  is  very 
doubtful. 

Family  MNIOTILTIDJE.     Wood  Warblers. 
Genus  HELMITHERUS    Rafinesque. 

23.  (639).     Helmitherus  vermivorus    (GmeL).     Worm-eating 
Warbler. 

The  sole  claim  of  this  species  to  a  place  in  the  list  is  based  upon 
a  specimen  from  Maine  recorded  by  A.  E.  Verrill.  (Cf.  Verrill, 
Proc.  Essex  Inst.,  Vol.  3,  p.  156).  Asl  have  not  seen  this  pub- 
lication, I  am  unable  to  state  the  grounds  upon  which  he  has 
recorded  the  bird's  presence  in  the  state,  but  regard  its  occurrence 
as  very  doubtful. 

Genus  HELMINTHOPHILA  Ridgway. 

24.  (646).     Helmiuthophila   celata    (Say).      Orange-crowned 
Warbler. 

Ascribed  to  Maine  by  Audubon,  but  as  he  mentions  the  species 
as  breeding  in  eastern  Maine  it  seems  probable  that  his  record  is 
the  result  of  a  misapprehension.  There  is  certainly  no  modern 
record  of  its  occurrence  in  the  state. 

Family  TROGLODYTID^E.     Wrens,  Thrushes,  etc. 
Genus  CISTOTHORUS  Cabanis. 

25.  (724).     Cistothorus  stellaris  (Licht. ) .   Short-billed  Marsh 
Wren. 

This  species  is  credited  to  Penobscot  County  in  Smith's  List. 
(Cf.  Smith,  Forest  and  Stream,  Vol.  19.  p.  445).  He  here  states 
that  the  nests  and  eggs  have  been  taken  in  Penobscot  County.  I 


I'.IKDS    OF    MAINE.  141 

have  given  this  subject  a  thorough  investigation,  and  am  unable  to 
obtain  any  authentic  data  regarding  these  reported  nests  and  eggs. 
One  so-called  Marsh  Wren's  nest  I  have  seen  has  proved  to  be  that 
of  the  tield  mouse,  and  quite  different  from  genuine  nests  of  the 
species.  There  have  been  no  birds  of  this  species  actually  takrn 
within  our  limits,  and  consequently  I  am  obliged  to  relegate  this 
species  to  the  hypothetical  list.  Nevertheless  I  will  state  that 
personally  I  have  good  grounds  for  believing  that  these  birds  occur 
with  us.  I  have  seen  birds  in  a  marsh,  near  Hangor,  which  I  am 
very  sure  were  Marsh  Wrens. 

Family    TrRDID.K.      Thrushes,     Solitaires,    Stonechats,    Blui'- 

birds,  etc. 

Genus  TURDUS  Liunwus. 

!'•;.  (7."»7a).  Turdus  alicia?  bicknelli  ( A'/>//'\).  BicknelFs 
Thrush. 

This  species  undoubtedly  occurs  as  a  migrant,  and  in  all  prob- 
ability it  will  ultimately  be  found  breeding  on  some  of  our  higher 
mountain  ranges,  as  it  is  already  known  to  breed  on  the  White 
Mountains  in  New  Hampshire. 

Genus  SAXICOLA  Bechstein. 
27.      (765).     Saxicola  cenanthe  (Linn.).     Wheatear. 

There  are  no  cases  of  the  occurrence  of  this  species  on  New 
England  soil,  all  records  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding.  These 
records  have  all  been  based  upon  specimens  taken  by  Mr.  Board- 
man,  and  in  a  recent  letter  he  informs  me  that  one  of  these  birds 
was  taken  at  Grand  Menan,  New  Brunswick,  while  the  other  was 
taken  August  25th,  1879,  on  Indian  Island,  near  Eastport,  but  in 
New  Brunswick.  These  are  the  only  instances  I  am  aware  of 
where  this  bird  has  been  found  near  our  boundaries. 

SUMMARY. 

The  number  of  species  given  in  the  list  as  positively  occurring 
within  our  limits  is  320.  Of  these  I  have  included  among  the  per- 
manent residents  some  20  species,  two  of  these  being  introduced 
and  naturalized.  The  summer  residents  number  114.  The  species 
which  occur  chiefly  or  entirely  as  migrants  are  74  in  number.  The 
winter  residents  and  winter  visitors  of  fairly  regular  occurrence 


142  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

include  39  species.  The  accidental  or  casual  visitants  and  strag- 
glers include  65  species,  while  the  remaining  2  species  formerly 
occurred  within  our  limits  but  are  now  extinct  in  the  state. 

In  the  synopsis  given  below  I  have  endeavored,  with  the  evidence 
at  hand,  to  place  each  species  under  that  heading  which  seemed  to 
most  nearly  represent  its  status  in  the  state,  while  by  appropriate 
markings  I  have  designated  those  which  might  be  included  under 
other  headings  by  another  person.  Persons  disagreeing  with  my 
grouping  of  any  species  will  find  in  the  text  of  the  work,  under  that 
species,  data  from  which  they  are  at  liberty  to  draw  their  own 
conclusions. 

PERMANENT  RESIDENTS. 

The  majority  of  the  26  species  given  here  are  resident, 
but  those  designated  by  an  asterisk  are  chiefly  or  entirely 
entirely  confined  to  the  Canadian  fauna  during  the  breeding  season. 
It  is  highly  probable  that  in  the  case  of  some  species  the  same 
individual  birds  do  not  remain  in  one  locality  throughout  the  year, but 
birds  which  summer  here  go  south  for  the  winter,  and  are  replaced 
during  that  season  by  individuals  which  have  summered  north  of 
our  limits. 

*Black  Guillemot,  *  American  Herring  Gull,  *Leach's  Petrel,  Bob- 
White?,  *Canada  Grouse,  Canadian  Ruffed  Grouse,  American 
Long-eared  Owl,  Short-eared  Owl,  Barred  Owl,  *Saw-whet  Owl, 
Screech  Owl,  Great  Horned  Owl,  Hairy  Woodpecker,  Downy  Wood- 
pecker, Pileated  Woodpecker,  Blue  Jay,  *Canada  Jay,  *Northern 
Raven,  American  Crow,  American  Crossbill,  White-winged  Cross- 
bill, White-breasted  Nuthatch,  *Red-breasted  Nuthatch,  Chickadee. 

INTRODUCED  SPECIES — Domestic  Pigeon,  English  Sparrow. 

SUMMER  RESIDENTS. 

The  species  which  occur  in  greatest  numbers  as  summer  residents, 
include  114  birds,  some  of  which  might  have  been  equally  well 
included  under  one  of  the  other  headings.  Those  designated  by  an 
asterisk  have  been  known  to  occur  in  winter,  though  usually  rare 
at  this  season. 

Pied-billed  Grebe,  *Loon,  Laughing  Gull,  Common  Tern,  Arctic 
Tern,  *Black  Duck,  Wood  Duck,  American  Bittern,  Least  Bittern, 
Great  Blue  Heron, Green  Heron, Black-crowned  Night  Heron,  Virginia 
Rail,  Sora,  American  Woodcock, Bartramian  Sandpiper,  Spotted  Sand- 


HIKI»    OF     MAIM..  143 

piper,  Piping  Plover,  Mourning  Dove,  Marsh  Hawk.  Sharp-shinned 
Hawk,  Cooper's  Hawk,  *Red-tailed  Hawk,  Red-shouldered  Hawk, 
Broad-winged  Hawk.  *Bald  Eagle,  American  Sparrow  Hawk, 
American  Osprey,  Yellow-billed  Cuckoo,  Black-billed  Cuckoo, 
Belted  Kingfisher,  Yellow-bellied  Sapsucker,  Red-headed  Wood- 
pecker, Flicker,  Whip-poor-will,  Nighthawk,  Chimney  Swift,  Ruby- 
throated  Hummingbird,  Kingbird,  Crested  Flycatcher,  Phoebe, 
Olive-sided  Flycatcher,  Wood  Pewee,  Yellow-bellied  Flycatcher, 
Alder  Flycatcher,  Least  Flycatcher,  Bobolink,  Cowbird,  Red- 
winged  Blackbird,  Meadow  Lark,  Baltimore  Oriole,  Bronzed 
Grackle,  *Purple  Finch,  *American  Goldfinch,  Vesper  Sparrow, 
Savanna  Sparrow,  Sharp-tailed  Sparrow,  Acadian  Sharp- tailed 
Sparrow,  White-throated  Sparrow,  Chipping  Sparrow,  Field  Spar- 
row, Slate-colored  Junco,  Song  Sparrow,  Swamp  Sparrow,  Towhee, 
Rose-breasted  Grosbeak,  Indigo  Bunting,  Scarlet  Tanager,  Purple 
Martin,  Cliff  Swallow,  Barn  Swallow,  Tree  Swallow,  Bank  Swallow, 
*Cedar  Waxwing,  Loggerhead  Shrike,  Red-eyed  Vireo,  Philadel- 
phia Vireo,  Warbling  Vireo,  Yellow-throated  Vireo,  Blue-headed 
Vireo,  Black  and  White  Warbler,  Nashville  Warbler,  Tennessee 
Warbler,  Northern  Parula  Warbler,  Cape  May  Warbler,  Yellow 
Warbler,  Black-throated  Blue  Warbler,  Myrtle  Warbler,  Magnolia 
Warbler,  Chestnut-sided  Warbler,  Bay-breasted  Warbler,  Black- 
hurnian  Warbler,  Black- throated  Green  Warbler,  Pine  Warbler, 
Yellow  Palm  Warbler,  Oven-bird,  Water-Thrush, Mourning  Warbler, 
Maryland  Yellow-throat,  Wilson's  Warbler,  Canadian  Warbler, 
American  Redstart,  Catbird,  Brown  Thrasher,  House  Wren,  Winter 
Wren,  Brown  Creeper,  *Golden-crowned  Kinglet,  Wood  Thrush 
(very  rare),  Wilson's  Thrush,  Olive-backed  Thrush,  Hermit  Thrush, 
American  Robin,  Bluebird. 

MIGRANTS  OR  TRANSIENT  VISITORS. 

I  have  here  included  some  74  species  whose  status  seems 
most  nearly  represented  by  this  heading.  Those  designated 
by  an  asterisk  are  summer  residents  to  a  greater  or  lesser 
extent.  Those  marked  with  a  dagger  (t)  are  known  to  have 
occurred  in  winter,  some  being  regular  winter  residents  in  limited 
numbers,  while  others  are  very  rarely  observed  at  this  season. 

*  t  Horned  Grebe,  t  Red-throated  Loon,  Pornarine  Jaeger, 
Parasitic  Jaeger,  Long-tailed  Jaeger,  Ring-billed  Gull, 


144  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

fBonaparte's     Gull,     Caspian     Tern,     *Roseate    Tern,    Greater 
Shearwater,  Sooty  Shearwater,  tGanuet,  *  t American    Merganser, 

*  fRed-breasted  Merganser,  *Hooded  Merganser,    t^^llard,   Bald- 
pate,  Green-winged  Teal,  *Blue-winged    Teal,    Shoveller,  Pintail, 

*  Redhead,    American  Scaup   Duck,    Lesser   Scaup    Duck,   *Riug- 
necked    Duck,    *  tAmerican  Golden-eye,   *  tBuffle-head,    *Ruddy 
Duck,  Lesser  Snow  Goose,   Canada   Goose,  Brant,  *Yellow   Rail, 
Florida    Gallinule,     American    Coot,    *Red    Phalarope,    Northern 
Phalarope,    *Wilson's    Snipe,   Dowitcher,    Stilt  Sandpiper,    Knot, 
Pectoral  Sandpiper,  White-rumped  Sandpiper,    Baird's    Sandpiper, 
*Least  Sandpiper,  Red-backed  Sandpiper,  Semipal mated  Sandpiper, 
Sanderling,  Hudsonian  Godwit,  Greater  Yellow-legs,  Yellow-legs, 
*Solitary  Sandpiper,   Willet,  Hudsonian  Curlew,  Eskimo  Curlew, 
Black-bellied  Plover,  American  Golden   Plover,    Killdeer,    *Semi- 
palmated  Plover,    Turnstone,    Passenger   Pigeon,    *Duck    Hawk, 
*Pigeou  Hawk,  *Rusty  Blackbird,  *fPiue  Siskin,  Ipswich  Sparrow, 
Nelson's  Sparrow,  White-crowned  Sparrow,  |Tree  Sparrow,  Lin- 
coln's  Sparrow,   Fox  Sparrow,    *Black   Poll    Warbler,    American 
Pipit,  *Ruby-crowned  Kinglet,  Gray-cheeked  Thrush. 

WINTER  RESIDENTS  OR   WINTER  VISITORS. 

Under  this  heading  I  have  placed  39  species.  Those  preceded 
by  an  asterisk  are  known  to  occur  throughout  the  entire  year, 
although  some  of  these,  notably  the  Scoters,  do  not  breed  within 
our  limits. 

Holboell's  Grebe,  *  Puffin,  Murre,  Briinnich's  Murre,  Razor- 
billed  Auk,  Dovekie,  Kittiwake,  Glaucous  Gull,  Iceland  Gull, 
Great  Black- backed  Gull,  Cormorant,  *  Double-crested  Cormorant, 
Barrow's  Golden-eye,  *Old  Squaw,  Harlequin  Duck,  Northern 
Eider,  *  American  Eider,  King  Eider,  *  American  Scoter,  *  White- 
winged  Scoter,  *  Surf  Scoter,  Purple  Sandpiper,  *  American  Gos- 
hawk, American  Rough-legged  Hawk,  Great  Gray  Owl,  Richard- 
son's Owl,  Snowy  Owl,  American  Hawk  Owl,  *  Arctic  Three-toed 
Woodpecker,  *  American  Three-toed  Woodpecker,  Horned  Lark, 
Prairie  Horned  Lark,  *  Pine  Grosbeak,  *  Redpoll,  Snowflake,  Lap- 
land Lougspur,  Bohemian  Waxwing,  Northern  Shrike,  *Hudsonian 
Chickadee. 


P.IKDS    OF    MAIXK.  145 

ACCIDENTAL  OR  CASUAL  VISITANTS  AND  STRAGGLERS. 
It  seems  very  hard  to  draw  any  definite  line  between  birds 
*vhich  are  accidental  or  casual  and  those  which  are  stragglers. 
The  Co  species  given  here  are  either  not  regular  in  their  occurrence, 
purely  accidental,  or,  in  the  case  of  Wilson's  Petrel  and  one  or 
two  others,  birds  which  migrate  northwards  at  the  close  of  the 
breeding  season  for  some  unknown  reason.  Birds  placed  here,  with 
the  evidence  now  at  hand,  may  ultimately  be  proved  of  regular 
occurrence,  and  they  can  then  be  assigned  to  some  other  group. 

Tufted  Puflin,  Herring  Gull,  Sabine's  Gull,  Gull-billed  Tern, 
Least  Tern,  Sooty  Tern,  Black  Tern,  Black  Skimmer,  Pintado 
Petrel,  Wilson's  Petrel,  American  White  Pelican,  Gad  wall,  Can- 
vas-back, Greater  Snow  Goose,  Hutchin's  Goose,  Wood  Ibis, 
American  Egret,  Little  Blue  Heron,  King  Rail,  Clapper  Rail,  Corn 
Crake,  Purple  Gallinule,  Wilson's  Phalarope,  American  Avocet, 
Curlew  Sandpiper,  Marbled  Godwit,  Ruff,  Buff-breasted  Sandpiper, 
Long-billed  Curlew,  Belted  Piping  Plover,  Willow  Ptarmigan,  Tur- 
key Vulture,  Black  Vulture,  Swainson's  Hawk,  Golden  Eagle, 
White  Gyrfalcon,  Gray  Gyrfalcon,  Gyrfalcon,  Black  Gyrfalcon, 
Arctic  Horned  Owl,  Dusky  Horned  Owl,  Arkansas  Kingbird, 
Starling,  Yellow-headed  Blackbird,  Orchard  Oriole,  Bullock's 
Oriole,  Evening  Grosbeak,  Amadina  rubronigra  (escaped  cage- 
bird),  Hoary  Redpoll,  Holboell's  Redpoll,  Greater  Redpoll,  Chest- 
nut-collared Longspur,  Grasshopper  Sparrow,  Seaside  Sparrow, 
Cardinal,  Dickcissel,  Louisiana  Tanager,  Summer  Tanager,  Pro- 
thonotary  Warbler,  Louisiana  Water-Thrush,  Connecticut  Warbler 
(probably  rare  migrant),  Yellow-breasted  Chat,  Mockingbird, 
Carolina  Wren,  Blue-gray  Gnatcatcher. 

SPECIES   NOW  EXTINCT  IX   THE   STATE. 

The  Great  Auk  formerly  occurred  as  a  winter  visitant  but  it  is 
now  extinct.  The  Wild  Turkey  formerly  occurred  in  the  state, 
probably  being  a  permanent  resident.  It  has  not  been  noted  here 
for  many  years. 


10 


146  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 


FAUNAL   AREAS. 

Zoogeography,  or  the  geographical  distribution  of  species,  is  a 
comparatively  new  science,  but,  nevertheless,  one  destined  to  prove 
of  the  utmost  economic  importance  to  the  agriculturist.  Plants  and 
animals  are  naturally  found  in  certain  climates  where  the  condi- 
tions of  temperature  and  surroundings  are  congenial  to  them. 
Some  species  have  the  power  of  adapting  themselves  to  circum- 
stances and  are  found  in  many  diverse  climates,  while  others  are 
exclusively  confined  to  certain  regions  over  which  the  same  condi- 
tions prevail,  and  need  not  be  looked  for  elsewhere.  These  latter 
are  said  to  be  indigenous  to  a  life  area,  and  by  aid  of  these  species 
we  are  enabled  to  divide  the  country  into  an  ultimate  number  of 
life  areas  which  are  termed  faunae.  When  by  study  and  observa- 
tion of  a  certain  plant  or  animal  in  various  localities,  we  have 
finally  arrived  at  the  conclusion  that  wherever  we  have  found  that 
particular  species  the  conditions  of  climate,  surroundings,  etc.,  are 
uniform,  we  may  then  safely  say,  on  hearing  from  some  outside 
observer  that  this  same  species  is  found  in  his  locality,  just  what 
the  climate  and  surroundings  of  that  locality  are,  without  ever  hav- 
ing seen  it.  Of  course  we  are  always  open  to  error  due  to  the  fact 
that  this  species  may  be  able  to  adapt  itself  to  other  conditions, 
but  from  a  close  and  long-continued  study  of  certain  North  Ameri- 
can plants  and  animals,  it  has  been  almost  positively  demonstrated 
that  they  are  exclusively  confined  to  regions  over  which  similar 
conditions  prevail.  In  some  cases  the  primary  life  areas  are  char- 
acterized by  the  prevalence  over  them  of  entire  families  or  genera, 
while  in  the  case  of  the  minor  or  fauual  areas  the  prevalence  of 
certain  species  or  subspecies  and,  equally  important,  the  absence 
of  others  characteristic  of  other  areas,  are  links  in  the  chain  of 
evidence  by  which  we  are  enabled  to  map  the  limits  of  these 
divisions. 

The  change  from  one  area  to  another  is  not  at  all  abrupt,  but 
instead  as  we  near  their  common  boundary  we  find  species  common 
to  both  occurring  on  the  same  grounds.  In  such  cases,  the  preva- 


i:iKl»>    OF    -ViAINK.  147 

lence  of  the  species  of  one  of  the  faume  will  result  in  determining 
the  area  to  which  that  region  belongs. 

It  is  of  the  utmost  importance  to  note  the  fact  that  these  life 
areas  do  not  regularly  blend  with  one  another,  but  the  points  of 
their  iutergradation  may  be  compared  to  the  meeting  of  the  water 
and  land  along  the  irregular,  indented  coast  of  Maine.  The 
irregularity  of  these  life  areas  and  the  mapping  out  of  their  various 
spurs  and  projections  are  of  the  utmost  importance  to  the  farmer. 
By  utilizing  the  northern  projections  of  a  more  southern  fauna  he 
is  able  to  grow  its  indigenous  plants  just  so  much  nearer  to  a 
northern  market,  while  some  dozens  of  miles  to  the  eastward  his 
neighbor  may  be  utilizing  a  southward  extension  of  a  colder  life 
area  to  grow  boreal  plants  so  much  nearer  to  a  southern  market. 
In  general  the  southern  extensions  of  the  colder  areas  will  be  found 
along  the  higher  mountain  ranges,  while  the  northern  branches  of 
the  warm  areas  are  in  the  lowlands. 

With  these  explanations  we  will  proceed  to  an  enumeration  of 
the  various  primary  and  secondary  areas.  The  entire  world  has 
been  divided  into  eight  primary  life  areas,  termed  Realms,  as  fol- 
lows : 

(1)  The  Arctic  Realm  extends  across  the   northern  continents, 
reaching  from  the  northern  limit  of  forest  growth   to  the  pole.     It 
is  remarkable  for  the  paucity  and  specific  identity  of  the  forms  of 
life  occurring  throughout  it. 

(2)  The  North  Temperate   Realm  extends  from  the  northern 
limit  of  forest  growth  south  to  the  palm  tree  belt. 

(3)  The  American  Tropical  Realm  includes  tropical  America. 

(4)  The  Indo-African  Realm  consists  of  all  Africa,  except  the 
northern  portion,  and  tropical  Asia  with  its  islands. 

(5)  The  South  American  Temperate  Realm  includes  temperate 
South  America. 

(6)  The  Australian  Realm  embraces  Australia  and  the  islands 
of  Oceanica  adjacent  thereto. 

(7)  The  Lemnriau  Realm   is  confined  to  the  island  of  Mada- 
gascar. 

(8)  The  Antarctic   Realm  occupies  the   same   position  in  the 
south  as  does  the  Arctic  in  the  north,  and  the  species  inhabiting  it 
are  likewise  few  and  of  general  distribution.     The  birds  are  mainly 
pelagic. 


148  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

All  of  extreme  northern  North  America  is  within  the  Arctic 
Realm,  south  of  this  comes  the  North  Temperate  which  extends 
quite  to  the  southern  boundary  of  the  United  States,  except  in 
Florida  and  Texas  where  the  American  Tropical  Realm  enters  their 
extreme  southern  portions. 

Owing  to  lack  of  space.  I  will  not  enter  into  a  discussion  of  the 
minor  life  areas  except  such  as  concern  Maine  directly.  Any  one 
who  may  wish  to  enter  into  a  thorough  investigation  of  this  sub- 
ject will  find  interesting  articles  on  it  as  follows  :  The  Geograph- 
ical Distribution  of  North  American  Mammals,  J.  A.  Allen,  Bull. 
Am.  Mus.  Nat.  Hist.,  Vol.  4,  pp.  199-243.  The  Geogr.  and  Geol.« 
Distribution  of  North  American  Animals.  The  Origin  and  Distri- 
bution of  North  American  Birds,  J.  A.  Allen,  The  Auk,  Vol.  10, 
pp.  99-150.  Various  reports  of  the  U.  S.  Department  of  Agri- 
culture, Division  of  Ornithology  and  Mammology,  contain  inter- 
esting articles  by  Dr.  Merriam  who  is  well  known  as  an  authority 
on  this  subject. 

The  North  Temperate  Realm  is  divided  into  regions  of  which  the 
North  American  Temperate  Region  alone  concerns  us.  This  in 
turn  is  divided  into  two  subregions,  the  Cold  Temperate  and  the 
Warm  Temperate.  The  Cold  Temperate  Subregion  is  divided  into 
four  faunae  of  which  one,  the  Canadian,  enters  Maine.  We  have 
here  one  of  our  faunae  traced  from  its  fountain  head  down  through 
the  classification. 

The  Warm  Temperate  is  divided  into  two  provinces,  a  Humid  or 
Eastern  Province  and  an  Arid  or  Western  Province.  The  Humid 
Province  is  divided  into  the  Appalachian  and  Austroriparian  Sub- 
provinces,  the  former  of  which  concerns  us.  This  is  divided  into 
three  faunae,  the  northern  of  which  is  named  the  Alleghaniau,  and 
which  enters  our  state  in  the  southwestern  part.  We  have  then 
the  Cold  Temperate  and  Warm  Temperate  Subregions,  as  repre- 
sented by  the  Canadian  and  Alleghanian  Faunae,  meeting  in  our 
state.  Under  such  condition  one  would  expect  to  find  a  very  inter- 
esting commingling  of  the  species  common  to  each,  and  such  is  the 
case. 

In  mapping  out  the  Canadian  Fauna  I  have  used  various  char- 
acteristic trees,  birds  and  annimals,  as  aids  in  determining  its 
southern  limits.  The  forests  of  fir  and  spruce,  indicate  that  the 
regions  where  they  predominate  are  Canadian  in  character.  The 


BIRDS    OF    MAINE.  149 

Canada  Porcupine,  Northern  Hare,  Red  Squirrel,  and  Jumping 
Mouse  are  characteristic  mammals.  A  partial  list  of  the  birds  is 
found  in  the  table  below. 

r.IUDS    OF    THE    CANADIAN     FAUNA. 

Black  Guillemot,  American  Herring  Gull,  Leach's  Petrel,  Red- 
breasted  Merganser,  American  Goshawk,  Olive-sided  Fly- 
catcher, Yellow-bellied  Flycatcher,  Canada  Jay,  Northern 
Raven,  Rusty  Grackle,  Pine  Siskin,  Acadian  Sharp-tailed 
Sparrow,  White-throated  Sparrow,  Slate-colored  Junco,  Red- 
breasted  Nuthatch,  Olive-backed  Thrush,  Golden-crowned  Kinglet, 
Water-Thrush,  Brown  Creeper,  Winter  Wren,  Myrtle  Warbler, 
Black-throated  Blue  Warbler,  Bay-breasted  Warbler,  Black  Poll 
Warbler,  Wilson's  Warbler,  Magnolia  Warbler,  Alder  Flycatcher. 

The  above  is  merely  a  partial  list  of  the  birds  which  distinguish 
the  limits  of  this  fauna.  Some  of  these  occur  in  slight  numbers  in 
the  Alleghaniau  while  others  are  extreme  Canadian  types  and  occur 
well  within  its  limits.  However  they  may  all  be  regarded  as  fairly 
distinctive. 

The  Alleghanian  Fauna  is  characterized  by  such  trees  as  the 
pine  and  oak.  The  birds  are  given  below. 

I.«-ast  Bittern,  Green  Heron,  Mourning  Dove,  Meadow  Lark, 
Yellow-billed  Cuckoo,  Field  Sparrow,  Sharp-tailed  Sparrow,  Wood 
Thrush,  Towhee,  Brown  Thrasher,  House  Wren,  Bob-white. 

The  birds  cited  above  may  be  considered  fairly  typical  of  their 
respective  fauiue,  and  the  prevalence  of  the  species  of  one  over 
those  of  the  other  will  settle  to  which  fauna  a  given  locality  belongs. 

Previous  observers  have  assigned  the  dividing  line  between  our 
fauna.'  to  a  somewhat  indefinite  locality  near  Mount  Desert  Island. 
Beginning  here,  the  Alleghanian  Fauna  has  been  stated  to  include 
the  territory  south  of  the  line  of  mountains  which  run  in  a  south- 
:  1  v  direction  across  the  state.  Part  of  this  is  wrong  in  view 
of  information  of  which  I  am  now  possessed. 

We  may  safely  assign  to  the  Canadian  Fauna  the  entire  granite- 
ridged,  spruce-covered  sections  of  the  coast.  The  Laureutiau  Hills 
with  their  outspurs  present  features  which  are  in  strong  contrast  to 
those  of  the  southwestern  part  of  the  state.  The  southern  limit  of 
growth  of  the  low,  stunted  spruces  of  the  coast  is  coincident  with 
the  distribution  of  the  majority  of  Canadian  birds,  although  many 
arc  not  found  quite  so  far  southwards. 


150  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

In  a  recent  article  regarding  the  "Sharp-tailed  Finches  of  Maine" 
Mr.  A.  H.  Norton  speaks  of  the  habitat  of  the  Acadian  Sharp-tail 
as  follows  :  "North  of  Scarboro,  beginning  with  Cape  Elizabeth, 
its  eastern  boundary,  the  coast  presents  an  uneven  or  hilly  face  of 
rocks,  indented  with  numerous  coves  and  bays,  studded  with  dry 
ledgy  islands.  Between  the  hills  are  innumerable  arms  of  the  sea 
often  extending  as  * 'tide-rivers"  or  fjords  several  miles  inland, 
bordered  by  narrow  swales.  Coincident  with  these  features  is  the 
low  spruce  woods,  so  conspicuous  a  feature  of  the  Maine  coast,  so 
characteristic  of  the  scanty  soiled  granite  ridges,  and  the  fog 
drenched  coast  of  the  northeast.  Very  different  in  appearance  are 
the  broad  marshes  of  Scarboro  and  western  Maine,  backed  by  soil- 
clad  verdant  slopes,  with  pine  and  hard  woods  replacing  the  spruce." 
(Cf.  Norton,  Proc.  Port.  Soc.  Nat.  Hist.,  Vol.  2,  pp.  100-101). 

In  my  judgment  he  has  here  outlined  the  dividing  line  between 
the  two  faunae,  and  the  Canadian  thus  extends  along  the  coast  to 
Cape  Elizabeth.  A  few  miles  back  in  the  interior  these  Canadian 
features  cease,  and  we  will  find  ourselves  in  the  midst  of  Allegha- 
nian  surroundings.  These  latter  extend  eastward  in  the  interior  into 
Lincoln  County,  where  the  two  regions  seemingly  meet,  as  is  evi- 
denced by  the  pine  trees  and  spruces  being  about  equal  in  numbers. 
To  the  northward  the  Alleghanian  surroundings  probably  predomi- 
nate till  the  line  of  mountains  which  runs  southwesterly  across  the 
state  is  reached.  In  the  absence  of  specific  proof  regarding  this 
point,  I  have  been  obliged  to  accept  the  evidence  of  previous 
writers  on  the  subject  and  follow  their  conclusions. 

All  of  the  region  to  the  eastward  of  the  Penobscot  River,  together 
with  that  north  of  the  before-mentioned  chain  of  mountains,  is 
Canadian  in  character.  Of  this  there  can  be  no  doubt.  We  may 
therefore  say  that  Aroostook,  Franklin,  Hancock,  Penobscot, 
Piscataquis,  Somerset,  and  Washington  Counties  are  Canadian. 
To  these  may  be  added,  provisionally,  Kuox  and  Waldo.  A  narrow 
Canadian  strip  extends  along  the  coast  through  Lincoln  and  Saga- 
dahoc  into  Cumberland.  The  northern  parts  of  Androscoggin, 
Kennebec,  and  Oxford  may  be  also  included  in  this  fauna. 

The  Alleghauian  includes  all  of  York  County  and  such  parts  of 
Androscoggin,  Cumberland,  Kennebec,  Lincoln,  Oxford,  and 
Sagadahoc  as  have  not  been  previously  designated  as  Canadian. 


UIKDS    OF    MAINE.  15  L 

With  the  information  at  hand  this  is  the  best  I  am  able  to  do  in 
re-arranging  our  fannal  lines.  It  is  highly  probable  that  isolated 
areas  of  one  fauna  will  be  found  to  occur  well  within  and  entirely 
surrounded  by  the  other.  These  isolated  areas  will  ultimately  be 
mapped  out  with  a  precision  which  cannot  now  be  attempted. 
During  the  past  month  J  have  obtained  information  which  has 
changed  conclusions  I  formerly  held  regarding  the  limitations  of 
these  areas. 

From  personal  observation  I  am  able  to  state  that  Hancock 
County  is  purely  Canadian  in  characters,  and  this  is  likewise  true 
with  Penobscot,  where  Canadian  characters  slightly  predominate. 
Such  parts  of  Waldo  as  I  have  been  over  are  likewise  Canadian, 
although  I  have  not  been  in  the  southwestern  part.  The  conclu- 
sions arrived  at  regarding  the  other  counties  are  derived  from  the 
combined  observations  of  others  and  myself. 


152  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 


BIBLIOGRAPHY. 

I  have  given  below  a  partial  list  of  various  books  and  publica- 
tions which  contain  articles  relating  more  or  less  directly  to  the 
Ornithology  or  Oology  of  the  state.  The  titles  of  many  may  not  be 
exactly  or  correctly  quoted  here,  owing  to  the  fact  that  I  have 
seen  but  a  very  small  portion  of  the  publications  cited.  I  doubt 
not  but  that  most  of  them  will  be  recognized  under  the  titles  given 
them.  The  list  does  not  claim  to  be  either  complete  or  exact,  but 
is  given  to  serve  as  a  slight  aid  to  persons  who  wish  to  go  more  com- 
pletely into  the  literature  relating  to  our  birds.  Such  publications 
as  Coues's  Key,  Ridgway's  Manual,  and  others  relating  to  the  birds 
of  North  America  at  large  are  cited  because  of  their  general  bear- 
ing on  the  subject,  and  for  this  same  reason  a  few  of  the  numerous 
periodicals  are  also  given.  Notes  regarding  many  of  the  publica- 
tions cited  have  been  taken  from  Steam's  New  England  Bird  Life. 
1832.  Williamson,  William  D.  The  History  of  the  State  of 

Maine  (etc.).     For  notes  on  birds  see   pp-    140-150  of 

Vol.  1. 

1861.  Holmes,  E.     Zoology  of  Maine.     See  Sixth  Annual  Report 

of  Secretary  of  Maine  Board  of  Agriculture,  pp.  113-122. 
About  193  species  nominally  listed. 

1862.  Catalogue  of  the  Birds  of  Maine.     In  Proceedings   of  the 

Portland  Society  of  Natural  History,  Vol.  1,  pp.  66-71. 
About  230  species,  some  of  which  were  reported  without 
the  slightest  evidence  of  their  occurrence.  List  nominal. 

1862.  Boardman,  George  A.  Catalogue  of  the  Birds  Found  in 
the  Vicinity  of  Calais,  Maine,  and  about  the  Islands  of 
the  Bay  of  Fundy.  Proceedings  of  the  Boston  Society  of 
Natural  History,  Vol.  9,  pp.  122-132.  Two  hundred  and 
thirty-one  species  with  annotations. 

1862.  Holmes,  E.  Birds  of  Maine.  Addenda.  Second  Annual 
Report  of  Natural  History  and  Geology  of  Maine,  p.  118. 

1862.  Verrill,  A.  E.  Catalogue  of  the  Birds  Found  at  Norway, 
Oxford  County,  Maine.  Proceedings  of  the  Essex  Insti- 
tute, Vol.  3,  pp.  136-160.  Annotated  list  of  159  species 
and  also  a  list  of  107  Maine  birds  not  seen  at  Norway. 


BIRDS    OF    MA  INK.  153 

1863.  Samuels,  Edward  A.  Mammalogy  and  Ornithology  of 
New  England.  Report  of  United  States  Commissioner 
of  Agriculture,  1863,  pp.  265-286.  Of  little  importance 
regarding  Maine  species. 

1863.  Verrill,  A.  E.  Additions  to  the  Catalogue  of  the  Birds 
Found  in  the  Vicinity  of  Calais,  Maine,  and  About  the 
Islands  of  the  Bay  of  Fundy.  Proceedings  of  the  Boston 
Society  of  Natural  History,  Vol.  9,  pp.  233-234.  Twelve 
species  added  to  Boardman's  1862  list. 

1865.  Hamlin,  Charles  E.  Catalogue  of  the  Birds  Found  in  the 
Vicinity  of  Waterville,  Kennebec  County.  Tenth  Annual 
Report  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Maine  Board  of  Agricul- 
ture, 1865,  pp.  168-173. 

1867.  Samuels,  E.  A.  Ornithology  and  Oology  of  New  England. 
Some  Maine  birds  are  referred  to  in  this  publication. 

1867.  Wyimui.  Jeffries.     An  Account   of   Some  KJcekkenmced- 

dings  or  Shell-heaps  in  Maine  and  Massachusetts.  Ameri- 
can Naturalist,  Vol.  1,  1867,  pp.  561-584. 

1868.  Cones,  Elliott.     A  List  of  the  Birds  of  New  England. 
ISI;D.     Boardmnn,  (ieorge  A.     Breeding  of  Rare  Birds  (at  Mill- 
town).     American  Naturalist,  Vol.  3,  1869,  p.  222. 

1869.  Boardman,    George   A.     The    Black    Vulture   in    Maine. 

American  Naturalist,  Vol.  3,  1869,  p.  498. 

1871.  Boardman,  Geo.    A.     Ornithological   Notes    from   Maine. 

American  Naturalist,  Vol.  5,  1871,  p.  662. 

1872.  Maynard.  C.  J.     A  Catalogue  of  the  Birds  of  Coos  County 

New  Hampshire  and  Oxford  County,  Maine.  With  Notes 
by  William  Brewster.  Proceedings  of  the  Boston  Society 
of  Natural  History,  1871,  pp.  356-385.  This  is  an 
annotated  list  of  164  species. 

1873.  Brewer.  Dr.  T.  M.     Catalogue  of  the  Birds  of  New  Eng- 

land.    Proceedings  of  the  Boston  Society  of  Natural  His- 
tory, Vol.  17,  1875,  pp.  436-454.     Contains  notes  relating 
to  the  status  of  most  species. 
1875.     Brown,  Nathan  C.     Ornithological  Notes    from  Portland, 
Maine.     Rod  and  Gun,  Vol.  6,  1875,  p.  81. 

Flagg,  Wilson.     Birds  and  Seasons  of  New  England. 

Brown,  Nathan  C.  Notes  on  Birds  New  to  the  Fauna  of 
Maine.  Bulletin  of  the  Nuttall  Ornithological  Club,  Vol. 
2,  January  1877,  pp.  27-28.  Five  species  given. 


154  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

1877.  *  Minot,  H.  D.     The  Land-Birds  and  Game-Birds   of  New 

England,  with  Descriptions  of  the  Birds,  Their  Nests  and 
Eggs,  Their  Habits  and  Notes. 

1878.  Brewer,  Dr.  T.  M.     Notes  on  Certain  Species   of   New 

England  Birds,  with  additions  to  his  Catalogue  of  the 
Birds  of  New  England.  Proceedings  of  the  Boston 
Society  of  Natural  History,  Vol.  19,  pp.  301-309. 

1879.  Brown,  Nathan  C.     Notes  on   a  Few  Birds  Occurring  in 

the  Vicinity  of  Portland,  Maine.  Bulletin  of  the  Nuttall 
Ornithological  Club,  Vol.  4,  1879,  p.  106. 

1879.  Boardman,  Geo.  A.  Southern  Birds  Down  East.  Forest 
and  Stream,  Vol.  13,  p.  605.  Notes  the  occurrence  of 
the  Black  Skimmer  and  Black  Vulture  in  Maine. 

1881.  Stearns,  W.  A.     New  England   Bird    Life,    a  Manual  of 

Ornithology.  Edited  by  Dr.  Cones.  Part  1.  Oscines, 
Singing  Birds.  Lee  and  Shephard,  Boston. 

1882.  Brown,  Nathan  Clifford.     A  Catalogue  of  the  Birds  Known 

to  Occur  in  the  Vicinity  of  Portland,  Me.,  Especially  in 
the  Townships  of  Falmouth,  Deering,  Westbrook,  Cape 
Elizabeth  and  Scarborough,  Briefly  Annotated.  Proceed- 
ings of  the  Portland  Society  of  Natural  History,  Decem- 
ber 4,  1882.  248  species  are  given  here  with  more  or 
less  complete  annotations. 

1882-83.  Smith,  Everett.  The  Birds  of  Maine,  with  Annotations 
of  Their  Comparative  Abundance,  Dates  of  Migration, 
Breeding  Habits,  etc.  Forest  and  Stream,  Vol.  19,  1882, 
Nos.  22-26,  and  Vol.  20,  1883,  Nos.  1-7  and  10-13. 
Total  number  of  species  given  here  is  303  but  some  are 
included  on  insufficient  evidence. 

1883.  Stearns,  W.  A.     New  England  Bird  Life,   etc.     Part  2, 

Birds  of  Prey,  Game  and  Water  Birds.  Lee  and  Shep- 
hard, Boston.  Many  records  of  birds  from  Maine  are 
cited  here. 

1889.  Brown,  Nathan  Clifford.  Supplementary  Notes  on  the 
Birds  of  Portland  and  Vicinity.  Proceedings  of  the  Port- 
land Society  of  Natural  History,  Vol.  2,  part  1,  p.  37. 
Adds  8  species  to  his  previous  list,  and  gives  additional 
notes  on  33  species. 


BIRDS    OF    MA  INK.  155 

1889.  Davie,  Oliver.  Xcsts  and  Eggs  of  North  American  Birds. 
Hann  and  Adtiir,  Columbus.  References  are  made  here 
to  the  nesting  of  certain  species  in  Maine. 

1891.  Walter,  Herbert  E.     The  Birds  of   Androscoggin   County. 

Notes  on  the  Perching  Birds  of  Androscoggin  County, 
Supplemented  by  u  Catalogue  of  Other  Species,  Excluding 
the  Shore  an  1  Water  Birds,  also  identified  in  the  county. 
From  the  History  of  Androscoggin  County.  This  is  an 
annotated  list  of  95  species,  while  38  more  are  given 
nominally.  Eighteen  other  species  are  mentioned  as 
being  reported  in  the  state  but  not  yet  observed  in  the 
above  county. 

1892.  Bendire,  Captain  Charles.     Life  Histories  of  North  Amer- 

ican Birds ;  with  Special  Reference  to  their  Breeding 
Habits  and  Eggs,  with  Twelve  Lithographic  Plates. 
( Government  Printing  Office,  Washington.  Gallinaceous 
Birds — Raptores.  Quotes  Manly  Hardy  extensively  re- 
gardinir  the  habits  of  many  Maine  birds. 

1895.  Minot,  Henry  Davis.  The  Land-Birds  and  Game-Birds  of 
New  England.  Second  Edition,  edited  by  William 
Brewster.  The  Riverside  Press,  Cambridge.  Many 
Maine  birds  are  recorded  here. 

1895.  Chapman,  Frank  M.  Handbook  of  Birds  of  Eastern  North 
America,  etc.  Third  Edition.  New  York,  D.  Appleton 
&  Co.  The  occurrence  of  certain  species  in  Maine  is 
cited  here. 

1895.  Bendire,  Captain  and  Brevet  Major  Charles.  Life  His- 
tories of  North  American  Birds  from  the  Parrots  to  the 
(irackles,  with  Special  Reference  to  their  Breeding  Habits 
and  Eggs,  with  Seven  Lithographic  Plates.  Washington, 
Government  Printing  Office.  Quotes  Mr.  Hardy  regard- 
ing Maine  birds. 

1895.  American  Ornithologists'  Union.     The  A.   O.   U.    Check- 

List  of  North  American  Birds.  Second  Edition.  Cam- 
bridge, Mass.  Refers  to  many  birds  as  inhabiting 
Maine. 

1896.  Ridgway,  Robert.     A  Manual  of   North  American   Birds. 

Illustrated  by  464  Outline  Drawings  of  the  Generic  Char- 
acters. Second  Edition.  J.  Lippincott  Company,  Phil- 
adelphia. 


156  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

1897.  Norton,  Arthur  H.  Sharp-tailed  Finches  of  Maine. 
Remarks  on  their  Relationship  and  Distribution.  Pro- 
ceedings of  the  Portland  Society  of  Natural  History,  Vol. 
2,  March  15th,  1897,  pp.  97-102. 

.     Coues,  Elliot.     Key  to  North  American  Birds. 

.  Chamberlain,  Montague.  NuttalPs  Ornithology.  A  New 

and  Revised  Edition.  NuttalPs  Land,  Game  and  Water- 
Birds,  Colored  Plates  and  Many  Illustrations.  2  Yols. 
Refers  to  certain  Maine  birds. 

.     Capen's  Oology  of  New  England. 

.     Maynard's  Birds  of  Eastern  North  America. 

.     Wilcox, ,  Common  Land  Birds  of  New  England. 

PERIODICALS    IX    WHICH    REFERENCES    TO    MAINE    BIRDS 
HAVE   BEEN    PUBLISHED, 

The  Auk,  a  Quarterly  Journal  of  Ornithology,  Published  for  the 
American  Ornithologists'  Union.  New  York,  L.  S.  Foster.  $3.00 
per  annum. 

The  Osprey,  an  Illustrated  Monthly  Magazine  of  Ornithology, 
Edited  by  Walter  A.  Johnson,  associated  with  Dr.  Elliot  Coues. 
Published  by  the  Osprey  Company,  Galesburg,  Illinois.  Subscrip- 
tion $1.00  yearly. 

The  Nidologist,  Exponent  of  American  Ornithology  and  Oology, 
Published  Monthly  with  Illustrations,  by  Henry  Reed  Taylor, 
Alameda,  California.  Subscription  $1.00  per  year. 

The  Ob'logist.  Monthly.  Published  by  Frank  H.  Lattiu,  Albion, 
New  York.  Subscription  50  cents  per  year. 

The  Museum,  a  Journal  Devoted  to  Research  in  Natural  Science. 
Published  the  Fifteenth  of  Each  Month  by  Museum  Publishing 
Company,  Walter  F.  Webb,  Manager,  Albion,  N.  Y.  $1.00 
yearly. 

Maine  Sportsman,  Published  the  First  of  Every  Month.     Her% 
bert  W.  Rowe,  Bangor.     $1.00  per  year.     The   official   organ   of 
the  United  Ornithologists  of  Maine. 


BIRDS    OF    MAINE.  157 


ADDENDA. 

Since  the  first  forms  of  the  list  have  gone  to  press,  many  addi- 
tional notes  of  interest  have  been  received  from  various  sources. 
Mr.  Everett  Smith  should  have  been  given  credit  for  furnishing  a 
number  of  notes  on  the  occurrence  of  certain  species  in  various 
parts  of  the  state.  Mr.  A.  H.  Norton  has  recently  furnished  a 
partial  list  of  birds  observed  in  Lincoln  County.  Such  notes  as 
were  received  too  late  for  insertion  in  their  proper  places  in  the 
list  are  given  here. 

Colymbus  holba'llii  (Reinli.).     Holbcell's  Grebe. 
"Winter  resident,  Knox  County"  (Norton). 

Colymbus  auritus  Linn.     Horned  Grebe. 

••Winter  resident.  Knox  County"  (Norton). 

Cepphus  grylle  (Linn.),     Black  Guillemot. 

"Lincoln  County,  breeding  in  fair  numbers  in  1895"  (Xortou). 

Uria  lomvia  (Linn.).     Briiunich's  Murre. 

"Two  specimens  found   dead   in   the   ice   in    Bridgton   and   Otisfield" 

(Mead). 

Stercorarius  pomarinus  (Temm.).     Pomarine  Jaeger. 
"Lincoln  County,  three  seen  on  June  23rd  and  again  on  the  24th,  1895" 
(Norton). 

Larus  leucopterus  Faber.     Iceland  Gull. 
••Knox  County  in  winter"  (Norton). 

Larus   argentatus    smithsoniauus    Cones.       American   Herring 
Gull. 
"Lincoln  County"  (Norton). 

Larus  atricilla  Linn.     Laughing  Gull. 

"Lincoln  County,  about  14  birds  breeding  in  June,  1895.    I  took  an  egg 

Knox  County  in  1896"  (Norton). 

Larus  Philadelphia  (Ord).     Bonaparte's  Gull. 
"Lincoln  County,  observed  in  June,  1895"  (Norton). 

Sterna  hirundo  Linn.     Common  Tern. 

"Lincoln  County,  still  quite  common  and  breeding  iu]1895"  (Norton). 


158  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

Stern  paradisaja  Brtinn.     Arctic  Tern. 

"Lincoln  County,  still  quite  common  and  breeding  in  1895"  (Norton). 

Hyclrochelidon  nigra  surinamensis  (GmeL).     Black  Teru. 

"Knox  County,  rare,  credit  is  due  Mr.  Kackliff  for  taking  a  specimen  in 
this  county"  (Norton). 

Oceanodroma  leucorhoa  (VieilL).     Leach's  Petrel. 
"A  few  breeding  in  Lincoln  County"  (Norton). 

Sula  bassana  (Linn.).     Gannet. 

"Lincoln  County,  one  seen  in  June,  1895"  (Norton). 

Aythya  vallisneria  (Wils.).     Canvas-back. 

Prof.  Wm.  L.  Powers  writes  that  four  specimens  were  shot  near  Gar- 
diner, Kennebec  County,  in  the  fall  of  1895.  I  have  had  the  pleasure  of 
viewing  one  of  these  which  is  at  present  in  his  collection. 

Oidemia  americana  Sw.  and  Rich.     American  Scoter. 

"Have  seen  a  female  which  was  shot  near  Gardiner  in  Kennebec 
County"  (Knight). 

Oidemia  perspicillata  (Linn.).     Surf  Scoter. 
"Northern  Cumberland,  somewhat  rare  visitant"  (Mead). 

Ardea  virescens  Linn.     Green  Heron. 
"Northern  Cumberland,  occasional"  (Mead). 

Nycticorax  nycticorax  naevius  (Bodd.).  Black-crowned  Night 
Heron. 

"Northern  Cumberland,  one  specimen,   young,   in  twenty-rive  years" 

(Mead). 

Nyctea  nyctea  (Linn.).     Snowy  Owl. 
"Waldo  County,  occasional"  (Spratt). 

Agelaius  phoeniceus  (Linn.).     Red-winged  Blackbird. 
"Waldo  County,  common  summer  resident"  (Spratt). 

Acanthis  linaria  rostrata  (Cones).     Greater  Redpoll. 

Mr.  A.  H.  Norton  writes  :  "I  regret  to  note  that  I  mailed  you  an  un- 
corrected  copy  of  my  notes  on  the  Redpolls.  The  year,  1895,  should 
have  been  1896."  Accordingly  all  his  notes  which  are  quoted  regarding 
this  subspecies  should  be  dated  1896. 


BIRDS    OF    MA  INK.  159 

Lanius  borealis  VieilL     Northern  Shrike. 
••Waldo  Couuty"  (Spratt). 

Dendroica  blacklmrma?  (Gmel.).     Blackburnian  Warbler. 
••Waldo  Couuty.  rare"  (Sprntt). 

Anthus  peusilvaiiicus  (LafJt.).     American  Pipit. 

"Wa.-s  coiniimn  at  WiNou'n  Mills.   Oxford  Couuty,   iu  September  and 
October,  1870"  (Mead). 


INDEX. 


A. 

PAGE 

Acadian  Owl us 

Sharp-tailed  Sparrow 98 

Acanthis  horneniaiinii  exilipes 92 

linuria 93 

linaria  holboellii 93 

linaria  rostrata 93,158 

Accidental  or  casual  visitants  and  stragglers 145 

Accipiter  atricapillus 59 

cooperi 59 

velox 58 

AccipitriiKt- 58 

Actitismacularia 50 

Addenda 157 

meloda 52 

meloda  circumcincta 53 

st'iuipalmala 52 

vocifera 52 

wilsonia 138 

64 

Agelaius  phoeniceus 87,158 

Aix  sponsa 30 

Alaudidae    82 

Alca  torda 16 

Alcedinidre 71 

Alcidse 15,134 

Alcime 16 

Alcyones 71 

Alder  Flycatcher 80 

Alle  alle  .  17 

Allinse 17 

American  A vocet 44 

Barn  Owl ,     139 

Bittern 38 

Coot 43 

Crossbill 91 

Crow 84 

K^rct ...  39 

Kid»>r 34 

Golden-eye 32 

Goldfinch 94 

Golden  Plover .  51 

Goshawk 59 

II 


162  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

PAGE 

American  Hawk  Owl 70 

Herring  Gull 19,157 

Long-eared  Owl 66 

Merganser 27 

Osprey 65 

Oyster-catcher 139 

Pipit  . 121,159 

Redstart 121 

Robin. 131 

Rough-legged  Hawk 61 

Scaup  Duck 31 

Scoter 34,158 

Sparrow  Hawk 65 

Three-toed  Woodpecker 73 

White-fronted  Goose 137 

WhitePelican 26 

Woodcock 44 

Ammodrainus  caudacutus 97 

caudacutus  nelsoni 97 

caudacutus  subvirgatus 98 

maritimus    98 

princeps 96 

sandwichensis  savanna 96 

savannarum  passerinus 97 

Ampelidae 107 

Ampelinae  107 

Ampelis  cedrorum  107 

garrulus 107 

Anas  americana 29 

boschas 28 

enrol  inen  sis 29 

discors 29 

obscura 28 

strepera 29 

Anatidae ...  27,136 

Anatinae 28 

Ancylocheilus 47 

Anorthura 124 

Anser  albifrons  gambeli 137 

Anseres 27 

Anserinae 36 

Anthus  pensilvanicus 121, 159 

Antrostonius  vociferus 75 

Aphrizidas 53 

AppleBird 108 

Aquila  chrysaetos 61 

Archibuteo  lagopus  sancti-johannis 61 

Arctic  Horned  Owl 69 

Tern 21,158 

Three-toed  Woodpecker 73 

Ardea  caerulea 40 

candidissima ' -  137 

egretta 39 

herodias — ...  39 

virescens    , 40,  158 

Ardeidae 38,137 

Ardeinae 39 

Ardetta  exilis 38 


INDEX.  163 

PAGE 

Areas,  faunal , 146 

Arenaria  interpres ->.; 

Arenariinee  ..     53 

Arkansas  Kingbird 78 

Asio  accipitrinus 66 

wilsonianus  66 

Astur 53 

Auk,  Great 17 

Razorbilled 16 

Avocet,  American 44 

Aythya  affinis 31 

americana , 31 

collaris 3-> 

inarila  nearctica 31 

vallisneria 31, 159- 

B. 

Baird's  Sandpiper 46 

Bald  Eagle 62 

Baldpate 29 

Baltimore  Oriole    88 

Bank  Swallow 107 

Barn  Swallow 106 

Barred  Owl    66 

Barrow's  Golden-eye 32 

Bartramia  longicauda    49 

Bartramian  Sandpiper 49 

Bay-breasted  Warbler 115 

Belted  Kingfisher 71 

Belted  1'iping  Plover 53 

Bibliography 152 

Bicknell's  Thrush 141 

Bird,  Apple 108 

Butcher 108 

Cherry 107 

Hair 99 

Man-'o-War 136 

Peabody 99 

Thistle 94 

Yellow 94 

Birds  of  the  Canadian  Fauna 149 

Birds  of  Prey 57 

Bittern,  American 38 

Least 38 

Black  and  White  Warbler Ill 

Black  and  Yellow  Warbler 115 

Black-bellied  Plover 51 

Black-billed  Cuckoo 70 

Blackbird,  Red-winged 87,158 

Rustv 88 

Yellow-headed 

Blackburnian  Warbler 11»:.  I.Y.- 

Black-crowned  Night  Heron 40,  158 

Black-  Duck 28 

Guillemot 15,157 

Gyrfalcon 

Black-necked  Stilt L> 

Hlack-poll  Warbler 116 


164  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

PAGE 

P.lnck  Rail 137 

Skimmer ••     22 

Snowbird 100 

Tern.. 22,158 

Black-throated  Blue  Warbler 113 

Green  Warbler 116 

Loon 134 

Black  Vulture 58 

Bluebird 131 

Blue  Goose 137 

Blue-gray  Gnatcatcher 129 

Blue  Grosbeak 139 

Blue-headed  Vireo 110 

Blue  Jay S3 

Blue-winged  Teal 29 

Boat-tailed  Grackle 139 

Bobolink 85 

Bob- white 53 

Bog  Hen 38 

Bohemian  Waxwing 10~ 

Bonaparte's  Gull 20,157 

Bonasaumbellus 139 

umbellus  togata 54 

Botaurinre 38 

Botaurus  lentiginosus 38 

Brant 37 

Branta  bernicla 37 

canadensis 37 

canader.sis  hutchinsii 37 

Bridge  Pewee 79 

Broad-winged  Hawk 60 

Bronzed  Grackle 89 

Brown  Creeper 125 

Brown  Thrasher 123 

Briinnich's  Murre 16,157 

Bubonidae  66 

Bubo  virginianus 68 

virginianus  arcticus 69 

virginianus  saturatus —    » 69 

Buff-breasted  Sandpiper 50 

Buffle-head 32 

Bullock's  Oriole 88 

Bunting,  Indigo...   ..  103 

Butcher  Bird 108 

Buteo  borealis 60 

latissinms 60 

lineatus 60 

swainsoni 60 

Butorides            40 

c. 

Calcarius  lapponicus 95. 

ornatus 95 

Culidris  arenaria 47 

Camptolaimus  labradorius 136 

Canachites 54 

Canada  Goose 37 

Grouse 54 

Jay 83 


INDEX.  165 

PAGE 

Canadian  Fauna,  Birds  of  the — 149 

Ruffed  Grouse  54 

Warbler 121 

Canary,  Wild 94 

Canvas- back 31,158 

Cape  May  Warbler 113 

Caprimulgi 75 

Capri7imlgid;v 75 

Cardinal 102 

Ctirdinalis  cardinalis ....  102 

Carolina  Wren l-x 

Carpodacus  purpureus 

Caspian  Tern 21 

Casual  visitants 146 

Catbird 123 

Catharista  atrata 58 

Cathartes  aura 57 

Cathartida3 57 

Cedar  Waxwing 107 

Ceopliloeus  pileatus 74 

Cepphi 14 

Cepphus  grylle 15,157 

mandtii 134 

Certhia  familiari.-  ainericana 125 

Certhiiriw !-•"> 

(Vryle  alcyon 71 

Chietura  pelagica 76 

Ch:i'turin:n 76 

Chanulrhdu- 51,138 

Charadrius  doniiiiicus  51 

Chu ritonetta  albeola 32 

Chat,  Yellow-breasted 120 

Chaulelasnms 29 

Clu-lidon  erythrogastra 106 

Chen  crerulescens 137 

hyperborea 36 

hyperborea  ni valis 36 

Cherry  Bird ., 107 

Chestnut  collared  Lougspur 

Clirstnnt-sided  Warbler 115 

Chickadee 126 

Hudsonian 126 

Chimney  Swift 76 

Chipping  Sparrow it'.1 

Chippy '.''.» 

Chordeiles  virginlamu 76 

Ciconije 38 

Ciconiid-e 38 

Circus  hudsonius 58 

Cif-t hothorus  stellaris 140 

Chunatores 78 

Clangula  clangula  americana 32 

islandica o2 

Chipper  Rail.. 41 

Cliff  Swallow     105 

Clivicolariparia U.7 

Coccothraustes  vespertinus 89 

Coccyges 70 

Coccyginre 70 


166'  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

PAGE 

Coccyzus  americanus 70 

erythropthalmus 70 

Colaptes  auratus 75 

Colinus  virginianus 53 

Columbse 56 

Coluinba  livia 132 

ColuuibidsB 56 

Colymbus  auritus 13,157 

bolboellii 13,157 

Common  Tern 21,157 

Connecticut  Warbler 119 

Contopus  borealis ...  79 

virens 80 

Cooper's  Hawk 59 

Coot,  American 43 

Cormorant 26 

Double-crested 26 

Corn  Crake.  .  ..    42 

Corvidae ... 83 

Corvinze  84 

Corvus  americanus 84 

corax  principalis 84 

Coturnicops 42 

Coturniculus 97 

Cowbird 86 

Crake,  Corn 42 

Creciscus 137 

Creeper,  Brown 125 

Crested  Flycatcher 78 

Crex  crex 42 

Crossbill,  American 91 

White-winged 92 

Crow,  American    84 

Crymophilus  fulicarius 43 

Crytopelicanus 26 

Cuckoo,  Black-billed 70 

Yellow-billed 70 

Cuculi 70 

Cuculidse 70 

Curlew,  Eskimo .    51 

Hudsonian 51 

Long-billed 51 

Sandpiper 47 

Cyanocitta  cristata 83 

Cygninse 137 

Cypseli 76 


D. 

Daflla  acuta 30 

Daption  capensis 23 

Dendragapus  canadensis 54 

Dendroicaaestiva '     113 

blackburnise 116,159 

cserulescens 113 

castanea 115 

coronata 114 

maculosa 115 


INDEX.  167 

PAGE 

Dendroica  palmarum  hypochrysea 117 

pensylvanica 115 

striata 116 

tigrina 113 

vigorsii 117 

virens 116 

Dickcissel 103 

Diving  Birds 13 

Dolichonyx  oryzivorus 85 

Domestic  Pigeon 132 

Double-crested  Cormorant 26 

Dovekie 17 

Dove,  Mourning 57 

Dowitcher ....  45 

Long-billed 138 

Downy  Woodpecker 72 

Dryobates  pubescens  medianus 72 

villosus 72 

Duck,  American  Scaup 31 

Black ...  28 

Harlequin 33 

Labrador 136 

Lesser  Scaup A 31 

Ring-necked 32 

Ruddy 36 

Wood 30 

Duck  Hawk 64 

Dusky  Horned  Owl »;<> 

Dysporus 25 

Dytes 13 

E. 

Eagle,  Bald , 62 

Golden 61 

Eave  Swallow 105 

Ectopistes  migratorius 56 

Egret,  American 39 

Eider,  American 34 

King 34 

Northern 33 

Empidonax  flaviventris 80 

minimus 81 

traillii  alnorum 80 

English  Sparrow 132 

Ereunetes  occidentalis 138 

pusillus 47 

Erionetta 34 

Erismatura  jamaicensis 36 

Eskimo  Curlew 51 

Evening  Grosbeak H9 

F. 

Falco  columbarius 64 

islandus 62 

peregrinus  anatum 64 

rusticolus 63 


168  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

PAGE 

Falco  rusticolus  gyrfalco ,. 63 

rusticolus  obsoletus 63 

sparverius 65 

Falcones 58 

Falconirtse . .  58 

Falconina? 62 

Faunal  areas.      146 

Field  Sparrow 100 

Finch,  Grass 95 

Purple .  ..  90 

Fish  Hawk 65 

Flicker 75 

Florida 40 

Florida  Gallinule 43 

Flycatcher,  Alder 80 

Crested.  ...  78 

Least 81 

Olive-sided 79 

Yellow-bellied 80 

Fox  Sparrow 102 

Fratercula  arctica 15 

Fraterculinae 15 

Fregata  aquila 136 

Fregatidae 136 

Fringillidae 89,  139 

Fulica  americana 43 

Fulicinse 43 

Fuligula 31 

Fuligulinae 31 

Fulmar 135 

Lesser 136 

Fulmarus  glacialis 135 

glacialis  minor 136 


Gadwall 29 

Galeoscoptes  carolinensis 123 

Gallinaceous  Birds .  53 

Galiinse 53 

Gallinago  delicata 45 

Gallinula  galeata 43 

Gallinule,  Florida 43 

Purple ...  42 

Gallinulinse 42 

Gannet 25,158 

Garrulinee 83 

Garzetta 137 

Gavia  alba 135 

Gelochelidon  nilotica 20 

Geothlypis  agilis 119 

Philadelphia 119 

trichas 120 

GlaucousGull 18 

Gnatcatcher,  Blue-gray 

Godwit,  Hudsonian 48 

Marbled 48 

Golden-crowned  Kinglet 127 


INDEX.  169 

PAGE 

Golden  Eagle 61 

Golden-eye,  American :;j 

Barrow's 32 

Goldfinch,  American 94 

Goose,  American  White-fronted 137 

Blue 137 

Canada 37 

GreaterSnow 36 

Hutchin's 37 

Lesser  Snow 36 

Goshawk,  American 59 

Gracklf,  Pxmt  tailed l:v.« 

Bronzed >'.' 

Purple >'.' 

Grass  Finch !O> 

Grasshopper  Sparrow 97 

Gray-cheeked  Thrush 130 

Gray  Gyrf alcon 63 

Great  Auk 17 

Black-backed  Gull 18 

Blue  Heron 

Greater  Redpoll 93,158 

Shearwater 23 

Snow  Goose 36 

Yellow-legs 48 

Great  Gray  Owl 67 

Horned  Owl 68 

Grebe,  Holbcell's 13,157 

Horm-d ...  13,157 

Pied-billed 14 

Grern  Heron 40,158 

Green-winged  Teal J.» 

Grosbeak,  Blue 

Evening >'.» 

Pine 90 

Rose-breasted 103 

Grouse,  Canada 54 

Canadian  Ruffed 54 

Ruffed 139 

Gyrf  alcon 63 

Black 63 

<ir:iy 63 

White 

Guillemot,  Black ...  15,157 

Mniult'S 134 

Guiraca  ca'.rulea 139 

Gull,  American  Herring 19,  157 

Bonaparte's 20,  157 

Glaucous ]> 

Great  Black-backed 18 

Herring Ill 

Iceland 18,157 

Ivory 135 

Kumlien's 135 

Laughing I'.t,  i:>7 

Ring-billed 19 

Sabine's 20 

Gull-billed  Tern 20 


170  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 


H. 

PAGE 

Hrematopodidae 139 

Hsematopus  palliatus 139 

Hair  Bird 99 

Hairy  Woodpecker 72 

Haligeetus  leucocephalus ...  ....  62 

Haliplana 22 

Harelda  hyemalis 33 

Harlequin  Duck 33 

Harporhynchua  rufus 123 

Hawk,  American  Rough -legged 61 

American  Sparrow 65 

Broad-winged 60 

Cooper's 59 

Duck 64 

Fish 65 

Marsh 58 

Pigeon  ...  .  64 

Red-shouldered  60 

Red-tailed .. — 60 

Sharp-shinned 58 

Swainson's 60 

Helminthophila  celata 140 

peregrina 112 

rubricapilla Ill 

Helmitherus  vermivorus 140 

Helodromas 48 

Hermit  Thrush 130 

Herodias 39 

Herodii , 38 

Herodiones ..  .. .....  38 

Heron,  Black-crowned  Night 40,158 

Great  Blue 39 

Green 40,  158 

Little  Blue   40 

Snowy..  137 

Herring  Gull 19 

Hesperiphona 89 

Hierof alco 62 

Himantopus  mexicanus 138 

Hirundinidse 105 

Histrionicus  histrionicus 33 

Hoary  Redpoll 92 

Holbcell's  Grebe ...  .  13,157 

Redpoll 93 

Hooded  Merganser 28 

Horned  Grebe 13, 157 

Lark 82 

House  Wren , 124 

Hudsonian  Chickadee 126 

Curlew 51 

Godwit 48 

Hummingbird,  Ruby-throated . 77 

Hutchin's  Goose 37 

Hydrochelidon  nigra  surinamensis 22,  158 

Hylocichla 129 

Hypothetical  List 134 


INDEX. 


171 


I. 


PAGE 


Ibis,  Wood 38 

Iceland  Gull 18,157 

Icteria  virens 120 

Icteridae 85 

Icterus  bullocki 88 

galbula 88 

spurius '. fS 

Indian  Hen 38 

Indigo  Bunting 103 

Introduced  Species 142 

Introduction 5 

lonornis  martinica 42 

Ipswich  Sparrow 96 

Ivory  Gull 135 

J. 

Jaeger,  Long-tailed 18 

Parasitic 17 

Pomarine 17,157 

Jay,Blue 83 

Canada >3 

Junco  hyemalis 100 

Slate-colored 100 

K. 

Killdeer ....  52 

Kingbird 78 

Arkansas 78 

King  Eider 34 

Kingfisher,  Belted 71 

Kinglet,  Golden-crowned 127 

Ruby-crowned 127 

King  Rail 41 

Kittiwake 18 

Knot 45 

Kurnlien'sGull 135 

L. 

Labrador  Duck 136 

Lagopus  lagopus 56 

Lamellirostral  Swimmers 27 

Laniidse 108 

Lanius  borealis 108,159 

ludovicianus 108 

Lanivireo 110 

Lapland  Longspur 95 

Laridae 18,135 

Larinae 18 

Lark,  Horned 82 

Prarie  Horned 82 

L          Meadow 87 


172  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

PAGE 

Larus  argentatus 19 

argentatus  smithsonianus 19,157 

atricilla 19,157 

delawarensis 19 

glaucus 18 

kumlieni 135 

leucopterus 18,157 

marinus 18 

Philadelphia 20,157 

Laughing  Gull 19,  157 

Laws  relating  to  Ornithology  and  Oology 9 

Leach's  Petrel 24,158 

Least  Bittern 38 

Flycatcher 81 

Sandpiper 46 

Tern 22 

Lesser  Fulmar 136 

Scaup  Duck 31 

Snow  Goose 36 

Limicolaa I.  43 

Limosa  f  edoa 48 

haemastica 48 

Lincoln's  Sparrow 101 

Little  Blue  Heron — 40 

Loggerhead  Shrike 108 

Long-billed  Curlew 51 

Dowitcher 138 

Longipennes 17 

Longspur,  Chestnut  collared    95 

Lapland 95 

Long-tailed  Jaeger 18 

Long-winged  Swimmers 17 

Loon 14 

Black-throated 134 

Red-throated 14 

Lophody tes  cucullatus 

Louisiana  Tanager 104 

Water-Thrush    119 

Loxia  curvirostra  minor 91 

leucoptera 92 

Lunda  cirrhata 15 


M. 

Macrochires 75 

Macrorhamphus  griseus 45 

scolopaceus 

Magnolia  Warbler 115 

Mallard 

Mandt's  Guillemot 134 

Man-o'- War  Bird •••  136 

Marbled  God  wit 48 

Mareca 

Marsh  Hawk , 

Martin,  Purple 

Maryland  Yellow-throat 120 

Meadow  Lark ' 

Megascops  asio  68 


INDEX.  173 

PAGE 

Melanerpes  erythroeepluilus 74 

MHanitta. 35 

M<'l<>agrin:t' 56 

Meleagris  gallopavo 56 

Melospi/a  tasciata 101 

georgiana 101 

linc-olnii 101 

Merganser,  American... -27 

americanus 27 

Hooded 28 

Red -breasted 27 

serrator   -27 

Mei-gina- 07 

Merula  migratoria 131 

Mi'thrioptrrus 123 

Micropalama  liimantopus 45 

Micropodidae 76 

Migrants 143 

Miiiiin;r 122 

Miinus  polyglottos 122 

Mniotilta  varia Ill 

Mniotiltida- 111,140 

Mockingbird 122 

Molnthrus  ater 86 

Moo-r  Hird §4 

Mourning  Dove 57 

Mourning  Warbler 119 

Murre 16 

Brunnich's 16, 157 

Myiarchiis  crinitus 78 

Myrtle  Warbler 114 


N. 

Nashville  Warbler Ill 

Nelson's  Sparrow 97 

NYttion 29 

Night-hawk 76 

Northern  Eider 33 

Parula  Warbler 112 

Phalarope 44 

Raven 84 

Shrike 108,159 

Numenius  borealis..     ••  51 

hudsonicus    51 

longirostris ..  51 

Nuthatch,  Red-breasted 125 

White-breasted 125 

Nuttallornis 79 

Nyctala  acadica 68 

tenguialmi  richardsoni 67 

Nyctea  nyctea 69,  158 

Nycticorax  nyeticorax  naevius 40,158 


174  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

o. 

PAGE 

Oceanites  oceanicus  .. 25 

Oceanitinse 25 

Oceanodromaleucorhoa 24,158 

Ochthodromus     138 

Oidemia  americana 34,158 

deglandi 35 

pei'spicillata 35,158 

Old-squaw 33 

Olive-backed  Thrush 130 

Olive-sided  Flycatcher 79 

Olor  columbianus 137 

Oporornis 119 

Orange-crowned  Warbler 140 

Orchard  Oriole 88 

Oriole,  Baltimore 88 

Bullock's 88 

Orchard 88 

Oscines 82 

Osprey,  American 65 

Otocoris  alpestris 82 

alpestris  praticola 82 

Oven-bird 118 

Owl,  Acadian 68 

American  Barn 139 

American  Hawk 70 

American  Long-eared 66 

Arctic  Horned 69 

Barred 66 

Dusky  Horned 69 

GreatGray G7 

Great  Horned 68 

Richardson's ...  67 

Saw-whet 68 

Screech 68 

Short-eared 66 

Snowy 69,158 

Oxyechus 52 

Oyster-catcher,  American 139 

P. 

Paludicolse 41 

Pandion  haliaetus  carolinensis 65 

Pandioninse 65 

Parasitic  Jaeger 17 

Paridae 125 

Paringe 126 

Partridge 55 

Par  us  atricapillus 126 

hudsonicus 126 

Passenger  Pigeon 56 

Passerculus 96 

Passer  domesticus   132 

Passerella  iliaca . — 102 

Passeres 78 


INDEX.  175 

PAGE 

Passerina  cyanea 103 

Pavoncella  pugnax 40 

Peabocly  Bird 99 

Pectoral  Sandpiper 46 

Pelecanidae 26 

Pelecanus  erythrohynclios 26 

Pelican,  American  White 26 

Pelidna 47 

Pelionetta 35 

Pendulinus 88 

Percliing  Birds 73 

Perdicinae 53 

Periodicals  containing  references  to  Maine  birds 156 

Perisoreus  canadensis 83 

Permanent  Residents 142 

Perissoglossa 113 

Petrel,  Leach's 24,158 

Pintado 23 

Stormy 136 

Wilson's 25 

Petrochelidon  lunifrons 105 

Pe wee,  Bridge 7;» 

Wood 80 

PhalaerocoracicUw 26 

Phalacrocorax  carbo 26 

dilophus    26 

Phalarope,  Northern 44 

Red 43 

Wilson's 44 

Phalaropuslobatus 44 

Phalaropodidte 43 

Phaleriiu« 15 

Phasiani 53 

Phasianidte 56 

Philadelphia  Vireo 109 

Philohela  minor 44 

Phoebe 79 

Pici 72 

Pu-idae 72 

Picoides  americanus 73 

arcticus 73 

Pied-billed  Grebe 13 

Pigeon,  Domestic 132 

Pa-seiiger 56 

Pigeon  Hawk 64 

Pileated  Woodpecker    74 

Pine-creeping  Warbler 117 

Pint- Grosbeak 90 

Siskin 94 

Warbler 117 

Pinicola  enucleator ..  90 

Pintado  Petrel 23 

Pintail 30 

Plpilo  erythrophthalmua 102 

Piping  Plover 52 

Pipit,  American 121,159 

Piranga  erythromelas 104 

ludoviciana 104 

rulmi v 104 


176  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

PAGE 

Plautus  impennis • 17 

Plectropbenax  nivalis 95 

Plover,  American  Golden .  51 

Belted  Piping 53 

Black-bellied 51 

Piping 52 

Semipalmated 52 

Wilson's    138 

Podicipidse 13 

Podicipides 13 

Podilymbus  podiceps -. 14 

Polioptila  caerulea 129 

Polioptilinae - 129 

Pomarine  Jaeger 17,157 

Poocffites  gramineus 95 

Porzana  Carolina • 41 

jamaicensis 137 

noveboracensis 42 

Prarie  Horned  Lark 

Procellaria  pelagica 136 

Procellariidae 23,135 

Procellariinse 23 

Progne  subis 105 

Protbonotary  Warbler Ill 

Protonotaria  citrea Ill 

Ptarmigan,  Willow 56 

Puffin, 15 

Tufted 1ft 

Puffinus  gravis 23 

Strickland! 23 

Purple  Fincb 90 

Gallinule 42 

Grackle ••  89 

Martin 105 

Sandpiper 46 

Pygopodes 13 


Q. 


Querquedula 

Quiscalus  quiscula  aeneus 89 

major 139 

R. 

Rail, Black ...  137 

Clapper   41 

King 41 

Virginia 41 

Yellow 42 

Ralli 41 

Rallidae 41,137 

Rallinse 41 

Rallus  crepitans 41 

elegans 41 

virgini  anns 41 

Raptores 57 


INDEX.  177 

PAGE 

Raven,  Northern ...  .  84 

Razor-billed  Auk  16 

Recurvirontra  americana    .     44 

Recurvirostridre 44,  138 

Red  backed  Sandpiper 47 

Red-breasted  Merganser -27 

Nuthatch 125 

Red-eyed  Vireo 109 

Redhead 31 

Red-headed  Woodpecker 74 

Red  Phalarope 43 

Redpoll 93 

Greater 93,158 

Hoary 92 

Holboell's '.<:{ 

Red-shouldered  Hawk 60 

Redstart,  American 121 

Red-tailed  Hawk 60 

Red-throated  Loon 14 

Red  winged  Blackbird 87,158 

Reed  Bird  86 

Reguliiue 127 

Regulus  calendula 1-21 

satrapa 127 

Rice  Bird 86 

Richardson's  Owl 67 

Ring-billed  Gull ...  19 

King  Neck 52 

Ring-necked  Duck 32 

Rissa  tridactyla 18 

Robin,  American 131 

Roseate  Tern 21 

Rose-breasted  Grosbeak >       103 

Ruby-crowned  Kinglet 127 

Baby-throated  Hummingbird  77 

Ruddy  Duck 36 

Ruff 49 

Ruffed  Grouse 139 

Rusty  Blackbird 88 

Rynchodon    64 

Rynchopidiw 22 

Rynchops  uigra 22 

s. 

Sabine's  Gull 20 

Sacorhamphi      •••  57 

Sanderling 47 

Sandpiper,  Baird's 46 

Bartramian 49 

Buff-breasted 50 

Curlew 47 

Least 46 

Pectoral 46 

Purple 46 

Red-backed 47 

W  hite-rumped 46 

Semipalmated   47 

Solitary 49 

12 


178 


BIRDS    OF    MAINfi. 


PAGE 

Sandpiper,  Spotted 50 

Stilt 45 

Western 138 

Sapsucker,  Yellow-bellied ...  73 

Savanna  Sparrow 96 

Saw-whet  Owl 68 

Saxicola  oenanthe 141 

Sayornis  pho3be 79 

Scarlet  Tanager 104 

Scolecophagus  carolinus 88 

Scolopacidse 44,138 

Scoter,  American 34,  158 

Surf 35,158 

White-winged 35 

Scotiaptex  cinerea 67 

Screech  Owl 68 

Sea  Duck 34 

Seaside  Sparrow 98 

Seiurus  aurocapillus  118 

motacilla 119 

noveboracensis  . .   118 

Semipalmated  Plover 52 

Sandpiper...     47 

Setophagaruticilla 121 

Sharp-shinned  Hawk 58 

Sharp-tailed  Sparrow 97 

Shearwater,  Greater 23 

Sooty 23 

Shite-poke 38 

Short-billed  Marsh  Wren 140 

Short-eared  Owl 66 

Shoveller 30 

Shrike,  Loggerhead 108 

Northern 108,159 

Sialiasialis 131 

Siskin,  Pine 94 

Sitta  canadensis 125 

carolinensis 125 

Sitting 125 

Skimmer.  Black 22 

Slate-colored  Junco 100 

Snipe,  Wilson's 45 

Snowbird,  Black 100 

Snowflake  .'. •  95 

Snowy  Heron 137 

Owl... 69,158 

Solitary  Sandpiper 49 

Somateria  dresseri 34 

mollissima  borealis 33 

spectabilis 34 

Song  Birds ..     

Songless  Perching  Birds 78 

Song  Sparrow 101 

Sooty  Shearwater 

Tern 

Sora 41 

Sparrow,  Acadian  Sharp-tailed 

Chipping 99 

English 132 


INDEX.  179 

PAGE 

Sparrow,  Field 100 

Fox 102 

Grasshopper 97 

Ipswich 96 

Lincoln's 101 

Ni  Ison's 97 

s.ivanna 96 

>•  aside 98 

Sharp-tailed 97 

Song l  101 

Swamp 101 

Tree 9f» 

Vesper 95 

White-crowned w 

White-throated  ...  98 

Spatula  clypeata   30 

Species  now  extinct  in  the  State 145 

Sphyrapicus  varius 7.S 

Spinus  pinns 94 

tristis 94 

Spi/a  americana 103 

Spizt'lla  nionticola 99 

pusilla 100 

socialis 99 

Spotted  Sandpiper 50 

Squatarola  squatarola 51 

Stake  Driver 38 

Starling 85 

Steganopodes 25 

Steganopus  tricolor 44 

Stercorariidw 17 

Slercorarius  longicaudus 18 

parasiticus    17 

pomarinus 17,157 

Sterna  antillarum 22 

doiiKalli 21 

f uliginosa 22 

hirundo 21,157 

paradisaea 21,  158 

tschegrava 21 

Sternime 20 

Sternula 22 

Stilt,  Black-necked 138 

Stilt  Sandpiper 45 

Stormy  Petrel 136 

Stragglers 146 

Streptoceryle 71 

Striges 66 

Strix  pratincola 139 

Sturnella  inagna 87 

Sturnidae 85 

Sturnus  vulgaris 85 

Sula  bassana 25,158 

Sulidte 25 

Summary 141 

Summer  Residents 142 

Summer  Tanager 104 

Summer  Yellow-bird 113 

Surf  Scoter 35,158 


180  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

PAGE 

Surnia  ulula  caparoch 70 

Swainson's  Hawk 60 

Swallow,  Bank 107 

Barn 106 

Cliff 105 

Eave 105 

Tree 106 

Swamp  Sparrow 101 

Swan,  Whistling 137 

Swift,  Chimney 76 

Swimmers,  Lamellirostral 27 

Long-winged 17 

Totipalmate 25 

Tube-nosed 23 

Sylvania  canadensis 121 

Sylvania  pusilla. 120 

Sylviidse 127 

Symphemia  semipalmata 49 

Syrnium  nehulosum 66 

T. 

Tachycineta  bicolor ...  106 

Tachy  triorchis 60 

Tanager,  Louisiana 104 

Scarlet 104 

Summer 104 

Tanagridae .  104 

Tantalinse 3S 

Tantalus  loculator 38 

Teal,  Blue-winged 29 

Green-winged 29 

Tennessee  Warbler 112 

Tern,  Arctic 21,158 

Black 22,  158 

Caspian  21 

Common 21 ,  157 

Gull-billed 20 

Least 22 

Roseate 21 

Sooty 22 

Teter-up •    50 

Tetraonidse 53,139 

Tetraoninse 54 

Thalasseus 21 

Thistle  Bird •• 94 

Thrasher,  Brown 123 

Thrush,  Bicknell's 141 

Gray-cheeked 130 

Hermit 130 

Olive-backed 130 

Wilson's 129 

Wood 

Thryothorus  ludovicianus 

Thunder  Pump 

Tinnunculus 

Tip-tail • 

Tip-up 50 


INDEX.  181 

PAGE 

Totanus  flavipes 48 

melanoleucus. , 48 

solitarius 48 

Totipalmate  Swimmers 25 

Towhee 102 

Transient  Visitors 143 

Tree  Sparrow 99 

Swallow 106 

Tringa  alpina  paciflca 47 

bairdii 46 

canutus 45 

f erruginea 47 

fuscicollis ... 46 

maculata 46 

marititna 46 

minutilla 46 

Trochili    77 

Trochilidse 77 

Trochilus  colubris 77 

Troglodytes  aedon 124 

hieuuilis 124 

Troglodytidas 122,141 

Troglodytinae 123 

Tryngites  subruficollis • 50 

Tube-nosed  Swimmers 23 

Tubinares 23 

Tufted  Puffin 15 

Turdidae 129,141 

Timlinse 129 

Turdus  alicisa 130 

alicite  bicknelli 141 

aonalaschkae  pallasii 130 

fuscescens 129 

mustelinus 129 

ustulatus  swainsonii 130 

Turkey  Vulture 57 

Turkey,  Wild    56 

Turnstone 53 

Tynmnidiu 78 

Tyrannus  tyrannus 78 

verticalis 78 

u. 

Uriatroile  16 

lomvia 16,157 

Urinator  arcticus 134 

in  i  her 14 

lumme 14 

Urinatoridae 14,134 

V. 

Vesper  Sparrow 95 

Vireo,  Blue-headed 110 

gilvus 110 

flavifrons 110 

noveboracensis 140 


182  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

PAGE 

Vireo  olivaceus 109 

Philadelphia 109 

philadelphicus 109 

Red-eyed 109 

solitarius 110 

Warbling 110 

White-eyed 140 

Yellow-throated 110 

Vireonidae  — ' 109,  140 

Vireosylva 109 

VirginiaRail 41 

Vulture,  Black      58 

Turkey 57 


w. 

Warbler,  Bay -breasted 115 

Black  and  White  Ill 

Black  and  Yellow 115 

Blackburnian 116,159 

Black-poll 116 

Black-throated  Blue 113 

Black-throated  Green 116 

Blue  Yellow-backed 112 

Canadian 121 

Cape  May 113 

Chestnut-sided 115 

Connecticut 119 

Magnolia 115 

Mourning 119 

Myrtle 114 

Nashville Ill 

Northern  Parula 112 

Orange-crowned 140 

Pine 117 

Pine  creeping 117 

Prothonotary Ill 

Tennessee 112 

Wilson's 120 

Worm-eating 140 

Yellow us 

Yellow  Palm ...  117 

Yellow-rumped 114 

Warbling  Vireo 110 

Water-Thrush, 118 

Louisiana 119 

Waxwing,  Bohemian 107 

Cedar 107 

Western  Sandpiper 138 

Wheatear 141 

Whip-poor-will 75 

Whiskey  Jack 84 

Whistling  Swan 137 

White-breasted  Nuthatch 125 

White-crowned  Sparrow 98 

White-eyed  Vireo 140 


INDEX.  183 

PAGE 

White  Gyrfalcon 62 

White-rumprd  Sandpiper  46 

White-throated  Sparrow 98 

White-wiiitfrd  Crowbill si-j 

White-winged  Scoter 35 

Wild  Canary 94 

Wild  Turkey 56 

Wilh-t 49 

Willow  Ptarmigan 56 

Wilson's  Petrel 25 

Phalarope 44 

Plover 138 

Snipe 45 

Thrush 129 

Warbler 120 

Winter  Residents 144 

Winter  Visitors 144 

Winter  Wren 124 

Woodcock,  American 44 

Wood  Duck 30 

Ibis 38 

Woodpecker,  A mericau  three-toed 73 

Arctic  three-toed — 73 

Downy 72 

Hairy 72 

Pileated. 74 

Red-headed > 74 

Wood  Pewee    80 

Thrush    129 

W  arblers Ill 

Worm  eating  Warbler 140 

Wren,  Carolina 123 

House 144 

Short-billed  Marsh 140 

Winter 124 


X. 

Xanthocephalus  xanthocephalus 86 

Xenmsablnii 20 


Y. 

Yellow-bellied  Flycatcher 80 

Sapsucker    

Yellow-billed  Cuckoo 70 

Yellow  Bird 94 

Summer 113 

Yellow-breasted  Chat 120 

Yellow  Hammer 75 

Yellow-headed  Blackbird 86 

Yellow-legs 48 

Greater 48 

Yellow  Palm  Warbler 117 

Rail 42 

Yellow-rumped  Warbler 114 


184  BIRDS    OF    MAINE. 

PAGE 

Yellow-throat,  Maryland 120 

Yellow-throated  Vireo 110 

Yellow  Warbler 113 

Yphantes 88 

z. 

Zamelodia  ludoviciana 103 

Zenaidura  tnacroura 57 

Zonotrichia  albicollis . 98 

leucophrys 98 


ERRATA. 

Page  15,  No.  5,  line  6,  pond  should  read  Pond. 

"  26,  No.  43,  line  7,  Fauna  should  read  fauna. 

"  27,  No.  46,  line  4,  Fauna  should  read  fauna. 

"  28,  No.  48,  line  1,  Anas  boachas  should  read  Anas  boschas. 

"  34,  No.  68,  line  3,  eastwerd  should  read  eastward. 

"  37,  No.  77,  line  10,  ant  should  read  an. 

"  47,  No.  112,  last  line,  Boradman  should  read  Boardman. 

"  90,  No.  215,  line  2,  varyiing  should  read  varying. 

"  94,  No.  222,  line  2,  line  5,  1895  should  read  1896. 

"  97,  No.  233,  line  10,  cavdacutus  should  read  caudacutus. 

"  98,  No.  234,  line  14,  should  read  (Cf .  Norton,  Proc.  Port.  Soc.  Nat.  Hist.,  1897 

p.  100). 

"  142,  line  15,  omit  "entirely." 


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Book  Slip-55m-lO,'68(J4048s8)45S — A-31/5 


N9  587747 


QL684 
Knight,  O.W.  M2 

A  list  of  the  birds     K62 
of  Maine. 


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